








Tareq Hadhad, the award-winning Founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, will speak at the 22nd annual Fraser Valley Diversity Awards on March 6th, 2025.
Hadhad arrived in Canada in 2015 as a Syrian refugee. Passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, his family relaunched their family business selling chocolate and began creating job opportunities for other refugees. The success of their business has been
captured in a best-selling book and awardwinning documentary.
Hadhad has received numerous awards including RBC’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020, and Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, and was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine.
“It is so important for us to hear stories like Tareq’s journey in his own words,” said Manpreet Grewal, Archway Director of Multicultural and Immigrant Integration Services. “His story breaks myths and stereotypes in our heads about what it means for Canada and refugees to be in this country. It is not always just about our benevolence or a family's struggle in this new home but this immensely mutually beneficial economic, cultural and social exchange which happens all the time.”
Established in 2003, the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards celebrate
organizations, businesses, and initiatives that promote inclusivity, accessibility and diverse representation within the community.
Tickets are now on sale for the awards ceremony and attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner, inspiring speakers and local entertainment.
Archway Community Services is presenting this event in partnership with Chilliwack and Mission Community Services as well as the Langley New Directions English Language School.
This year, over 50 individuals and organizations have been named nominees in 6 categories: Effective Human Resources Strategies, Innovative Initiative, Inclusive Environment, Marketing, Champion of Diversity (18+), and Youth Champion of Diversity (12-17).
"Thank you to everyone who has submitted nominations and for our sponsors who help make this event possible,” said Sarah Bolton, Event Coordinator.
The awards in each category will be presented by award sponsors: Abbotsford
School District, Prospera, University of the Fraser Valley, and WorkSafeBC.
The awards ceremony will be held the evening of Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at the Clarion
Hotel and Conference Center on 36035 N Parallel Rd. Abbotsford.
Tickets are available online at diversityawards.ca/tickets
with an early bird rate of $75 until February 11th.
• IV Sedations • Implants
• PRP / PRF
Invisalign
Bonding • Veneers • Digital X-rays & CBCT
• Wisdom Teeth Removal
• Nitrous/ Laughing Gas
The City of Abbotsford, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of BC, is pleased to announce that construction is starting on energy efficiency upgrades at Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC), as part of the Heat Recovery and Optimization (HeRO) project. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing air quality, sustainability and patron experience of this staple community facility.
The ARC HeRO project involves retrofitting the facility’s existing HVAC system to connect all heating systems throughout the building. This retrofit will capture waste heat from the aquatic centre and arena and redistribute to other areas that require heating, thereby decreasing energy use and reducing carbon pollution. These improvements are projected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 40% and greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. In addition to optimizing energy use, these upgrades will provide better ventilation and more consistent temperatures in the pool area.
Construction begins this week and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. ARC will remain open and operational throughout the construction period, during which there may be possible noise impacts and intermittent interruptions to space use or programming throughout the facility. Any program or space disruptions will be communicated to users via onsite signage, the City’s webpage, on social media and via the Direct2Rec recreation
programming website. More information on the ARC HeRO project is available at www.abbotsford.ca/arc-hero.
In addition to heat optimization and energy efficiency upgrades, this project also includes accessibility improvements to the wheelchair pool lifts, which were completed in fall 2023. These enhancements ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate spaces independently and safely. This ARC HeRO project is funded in part by a more than $4.45 million investment by the Government of Canada, through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, and a $4.2 million investment by the Province of BC, through the Growing Communities Fund.
Quotes:
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel ErskineSmith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Modern recreational infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities inclusive and sustainable. Upgrades to the Abbotsford Recreation Centre will increase accessibility while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We will continue to work with our partners and invest in projects that build safe, supportive, and welcoming community spaces across the country.”
ijmIdfr Brf ny bhuq hI vwzf kpiVaF df vyarhfAus gfhkF leI
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
“The construction at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC) will improve the health of people and the environment by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our carbon footprint. The Province will continue working with all levels of government on projects that help build strong, healthy and sustainable communities and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Ross Siemens, Mayor of the City of Abbotsford
PUNJABI PATRIK A STAFF pMjwbI p`iqRkw stw&
“Abbotsford Recreation Centre is an extremely popular and well-used facility, contributing significantly to the health and livability of our community. These upgrades through the ARC HeRO project will not only help us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint but will also create a more comfortable experience for residents at our community’s largest recreation facility. This project aligns with Abbotsford City Council’s commitment to environmental and financial sustainability and we are grateful to the Government of Canada and Province of BC for their support in bringing this innovative project to life.”
Chief Editor/Publisher : Dr. Andy Sidhu | General Manager : Dave Sidhu | Administration Executive: R onnie Sidhu
Punjabi Editor
Adver tising Executive Typist Layout Graphic Designer
Gurdeep Singh Grewal
Paramjit Singh Kanda
Ekam Banipal
Gurmeen Banipal
Gurjeet Kaur Muhar
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pOÈitk qwqF df sMquln bxfeI rwKx leI mtrF nUM cOl, dfl jF slfd ivwc imlf ky KfE.
The sixth intake of the Connecting Communities BC funding program will be open for applications until June 30, 2025.
In March 2022, B.C. and Canada announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million, contributing $415 million each, toward highspeed connectivity infrastructure projects in rural and remote areas.
Through Connecting Communities BC, the Province aims to provide all remaining underserved households and First Nation communities with access to high-speed internet by 2027. This program also fulfils a Call to Action in the Declaration Act Action Plan.
Eligible applicants can apply for funding to support the expansion of high-speed internet in any area of the province, with a focus on specific areas that do not have access to internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 10 Mbps per second upload speed.
The Connecting Communities BC program completed five intakes between September 2022 and December 2024. Projects applying for the sixth intake will be evaluated as they are received. Successful project applications from previous intakes will continue to be announced when they are approved.
Mission Fire is on a quest to ensure every home in Mission has a working smoke alarm. Over 1,100 smoke alarms will be given away as part of this campaign.
The smoke alarms were provided to the City of Mission free of charge as part of a collaboration with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit aimed at reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities in British Columbia.
the simplest ways to keep your family safe so we hope that people will take advantage of this program.”
“Safety is one of our key strategic priorities and we are looking to address it at every level, but prevention is one of our most important priorities,” said Mayor Horn on behalf of Council “There’s no question that smoke detectors are one of
Most fire-related deaths and injuries occur in people’s homes. Having a working smoke alarm is one of the best ways to keep yourself and your family safe from fire, and fire injuries and deaths.
Residents are encouraged to request a smoke alarm. Requests will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis.
Families in Powell River have access to 28 new child care spaces opening at Kelly Creek Community school, including 12 spaces for children younger than three, and 16 spaces for children ages three to five.
“Access to affordable and reliable child care makes life easier for families,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “These new child care spaces in Powell River will help more parents and caregivers go to work and school, and are conveniently located on school grounds. We’re going to keep working to bring down costs and build a bright future for British Columbians.”
The Province partnered with the qathet School District (SD47) to build the new child care centre at Kelly Creek Community school. The $1.1-million investment from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund supported construction, as well as furniture and appliances bought for the facility.
“We are thrilled to have another child care option for the families in qathet,” said Jaclyn Miller, board chair, qathet School District. “The centre at Kelly Creek will provide children five and younger with a strong start to their school experience, fostering connections and continuity alongside the school they will likely attend, while strengthening their sense of belonging within the community.”
The Province also worked with the qathet School District to open a new child care centre at Edgehill Elementary school, which opened in fall 2024. The two projects have added a total of 56 new child care spaces in Powell River.
“I am over-the-moon happy with the staff and my experience at Edgehill YMCA Child Care,” said Sarah, whose child attends the program. “Thank you so much for bringing more child care spaces to Powell River. “This is the child care I wanted for my treasured child.”
School districts throughout B.C. are partnering with the provincial government to create new child care spaces to help address the child care needs of families within their communities. Child care on school grounds makes life easier for families by requiring only one dropoff and pickup location, streamlining their daily routines, reducing stress and creating a smoother transition for children.
Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s accelerated space-creation programs have helped fund more than 40,000 new licensed child care spaces in B.C. and 23,000 of those are now open. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on.
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We do all types of Renovations
asIN hr qrF dI rYnovysLn krdy hF:
• Laminate • Tiles
• Painting
• Framing
• Drywall Finishing
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Stone Works
• lYmInyt
• pyNitMg
• tfeIlF
• PRyimMg
• zrfeIvfl iPinisLMg
• ikcn kYbints
• ston vrk
• Plumbing • plMibMgL
You will get the best quality work at DGB home renovation
New Basement and Bathroom Extension
nvIN bysmYNt aqy bfQrUm aYkstYnsLn CALL GAGAN : 604-791-3933
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• Irrigation Installation
• Post Pounding
• Drip and Sprinkler Systems
• Ditch Digging and Cleaning
• Farm Drains
• waste water treatment
People in Nuxalk Nation, Bella Coola and Hagensborg on the central coast now have access to high-speed internet, enabling faster, more reliable access to digital services and opportunities.
“Building a strong, sustainable economy begins with rural and remote Indigenous communities getting better access to the digital world,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “With highspeed internet now available in Nuxalk Nation, Bella Coola and Hagensborg, people can access the same services and opportunities as those in larger urban centres and unlock new opportunities for education, business and community growth.”
Two connectivity projects, built and operated by service-provider CityWest, are complete, providing broadband internet services for approximately 440 households in Nuxalk Nation and Bella Coola, and approximately 420 households in Hagensborg.
“Access to high-speed internet is a game-changer for our community,” said Samuel Schooner, Chief of Nuxalk Nation. “It opens new possibilities for education, health care and economic development, and we are excited to see the positive impact this will have on our community, allowing us to connect with the world like never before.”
The Government of British Columbia invested more than $1.4 million in the Connecting Bella Coola project and nearly $1.5 million in the Hagensborg project. This was done through the Connecting British Columbia program, managed by the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
CityWest contributed nearly $600,000 to the Connecting Bella Coola project and more than $330,000 to the Hagensborg project. Both were built on infrastructure installed as part of the Connected Coast Network. Local Bella Coola Valley service provider Central Coast Communications Society also contributed $250,000 to the Hagensborg project.
These projects are part of the Province’s commitment to Coastal First Nations to ensure high-speed internet access for communities throughout the central and north coast regions, and Haida Gwaii. Access to high-speed internet supports stewardship programs, like the Coastal Guardian Watchmen, that protect and manage the water, land and air in the region. Connectivity ensures the delivery of digital training and online health care, and supports Indigenous-led language and cultural revitalization programs.
“Coastal First Nations understand the importance of having reliable, high-speed internet available in all our communities across the coast and we congratulate the Nuxalk Nation on completing this crucial link for their community,” said Christine Smith-Martin, CEO, Coastal First Nations. “High-speed internet is a powerful socio-economic tool that supports the delivery of the services our people count on to succeed and we will continue to advocate for the technological advancement and investment our member Nations deserve.”
Since 2017, the Province has invested $584 million to expand connectivity in British Columbia. As of January 2025, approximately 74% of rural homes and more than 80% of homes on First Nations reserves now have access to highspeed internet.
In March 2022, the governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services. B.C.͛s commitment is to connect all remaining underserved households in B.C.
The Connecting British Columbia and Connecting Communities BC funding programs support projects to expand high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas of the province. The plan to connect all households will level the playing field for British Columbians, ensuring better access to services and economic opportunities for every community.
Drivers are advised that concrete roadside barriers will be installed along the shoulders of Highway 4 through MacMillan Provincial Park over two nights, on Sunday, Jan. 26 and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
Single-lane-alternating traffic will be in effect from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. both nights. Drivers should expect minor delays.
Approximately 200 metres of concrete barriers will be placed on each side of the highway shoulder through the existing no parking areas of Cathedral Grove to reduce ongoing safety challenges faced by drivers and pedestrians when vehicles are illegally parked along the highway during heavy tourist seasons. The roadside barricades will make it
safer for pedestrians and help ensure that vehicles are parked in safe, designated parking areas.
Drivers travelling through the area overnight should allow extra time to account for possible delays. Drivers are reminded to observe all signs and traffic-management personnel in the area and drive with caution in active construction zones.
With proper permits and advance notice, over-width vehicles will be able to move through this section of the corridor during construction.
For up-to-date information about road conditions or any changes to the construction schedule, visit: https://www. drivebc.ca/
People living in Lax Kw’alaams off the northwestern coast of B.C. have access to reliable high-speed internet, enabling people to access online services and opportunities.
“This announcement is an essential step in our commitment to connect all First Nations communities in B.C. to high-speed internet,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Reliable connectivity will ensure people in Lax Kw’alaams will have better access to education, health care and economic opportunities available online.”
With the installation of new last-mile infrastructure, approximately 340 households in Lax Kw’alaams have access to high-speed internet. Built and operated by service provider CityWest, the project leverages capacity provided by the Connected Coast network.
“Reliable high-speed internet in Lax Kw’alaams will enhance access to vital services, support our education and health-care systems, and open up new opportunities for our families and businesses,” said Garry Reece, mayor of Lax Kw’alaams. “We look forward to the positive impacts it will bring to our people now and for generations to come.”
The Government of British Columbia invested $196,630 through the Connecting British Co-
lumbia program, administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust. The Government of Canada invested $523,016 through the federal Universal Broadband Fund and CityWest contributed $423,591.
Since 2017, the Province has invested $584 million to expand connectivity in British Columbia. As of January 2025, approximately 74% of rural homes and more than 80% of homes on First Nations reserves have access to high-speed internet.
In March 2022, the governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services. The Province also made a specific commitment to connect every First Nations community to high-speed internet services in the government’s Declaration Act Action Plan.
The Connecting British Columbia and Connecting Communities BC funding programs support projects to expand high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas of the province. The plan to provide access to high-speed internet to all households will level the playing field for the people in British Columbia, ensuring better access to services and economic opportunities for every community.
* AudfsI aqy Gbrfht rog. * cmVI dy rog.
* ikwl muhfsy, iÌnsIafˆ afid. * Qfierfz.
kuafltI bOzI aqy pyNt rIpyar syvfvF
Prym vrk aqy XUnIbOzI rIpyars
pUrIaF pYNt jObs (sOilzs, mYtfolks, trfeIkots, kuaYzkots)
afeI.sI.bI.sI klym aqy prfeIvyt klym hYNnzlz promptlI
muPq aYstImyts
kstm pyNt
kmplIt rIstorysLn
kstm kfr afzIE/ vIzIE sfrIaF puKqF syvfvF
ijLMdgI Br leI ilKqI grMtI smrwQ aqy dosqfnf syvfvF
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“mÊË” ‘ivaMg’
‘gurdyv
isMG almvflf’
ieh ‘mÊË’ jF zmfk dysI bolI df lÌË hY. aFm pyNzU Gwt pVy ilKy lokf ny ieh iËafdf pRcilq kr idwqf, AuMJ pVy ilKy iËafdf lok ‘idmfg’ hI kihMdy qy ieMgilÈmYn lok ‘bryn’ ihMdI lok ByjHf. pRMqU aFm lok isr nUM hI mgË khI jFdy hn. hflF ik isr nfl hor bhuq sfrIaF sbMDq ieMdiraF juVIaF huMdIaF. pMjfbI ivwc afm muhfvry suxIdy “ikAu mÊË cwtdf, ikAu mÊË Éfnf, myrf qo zmfk GuMmF dIaf, ikAuN myrf ByJf AuzfAux izaf” mfJy dy muJYl BfAUaF dI vI ieho ijhI bolI aY. sfied mY vI ieh khfxI ilKdf ò afp df mÊË KoÜf krI jFdf hovFgf. quhfzy mÊË ivc vI kuJ pAu ik nhIN jF sfrI khfxI quhfzy mÊË dy AuwprdI lMG jfAU, ieh myry mgË dI socxI ho skdI ey. pr mÊË sfzy sfiraf dy srIrk ikiraf dI hfrz zrfeIv hY. ies ivwc vwD qoN vwD
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kuJ ieAuN vI hoieaf, mYN pihlF holsyl (Qok) vfiÜaF nUM afrzr kIqf ik “mÊË
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nUM cfrmgË kihMdy jF hor vI keI qrf dy bIjF ivco igrI kwZI ho skdI hY.
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afieaf qF mYN AuhnUM Kf ky BuwK pUrI kr
lAu gf. bs bFdrf ! qyrI nMbrdfrI pwkI”
bFdr ny bfCF KolIaF sfry dMd kwZ ivKfey inwky mwQy nfl juiVaf mÊË nUM hFmI ivwc ihlfieaf, kihMdf TIk aY.
jMgl ivwc bFdr ijs dy nfl gwl clfvy
sfry khI jfx “nF BrfvF asIN inkMmy hI shI, hkUmqF ny sfzf mÊË cwt ò Gisafry bxf idwqf, sfnUM avfË AuTfAux Xogy nhIN Cwizaf, Èyr rfjy ny awgy vI keI vfady krky pUry nhIN kIqy. sfnUM Aus Auqy koeI XkIn nhIN” jMgl dy sfry votrF ny afpxy idl dI gwl kih suxfeI. bFdr ny keI vfr awKF Auwpr Qwly mtkfeIaF, afpxy iek hwQ nfl afp dI vwKI KurkI ijvyN koeI nvF dfa soc irhf hovy.
iPrdf ò bFdr ! Koqy kol igaf. gwl
Koqy kol qorI ik “Koqy bfpU ! rfjy ny rfj gwdI CwzxI aY Auh quhfnUM bhuq Xfd kr
rhy hn” Koqy soicaf hor kI cfhIdf, Jwt sihmqI idKfeI qy nfl cl ipaf, jf
drbfr pyÈ hoieaf. kihMdf “rfjy pnfh
mYN hfËr hF” Èyr ny bhuqI dyrI cMgI nF
smJI. Koqy Auqy Jwpt ipaf, Koqy nUM mfr
ky kyvl Aus df mgË hI KfDf, nF kMn, nF
mUMh, nF hI hor srIr df koeI hor aMg.
Koqy nUM BycÜ ky mfrn dy doÈ krky, jMgÜ dy votrF ivc hfhfkfr mwc geI, kihMdy “sfzy votr BfeI nUM Brosy ivc lY ky Èyr
rfjy ny mfr mukfieaf, by-ivsfhI kIqI,
DoKf kIqf” by-BrosgI dy mqy pYxy ÈurU
ho gey ik sfzf iewk vDIaf votr Brf jo
sfiraF df Bfr ZohdF, Aus nUM hwQoN guaf
asIN kI Kwitaf. idno idn gwl iËafdf
Ëor PV rhI sI ik mfs Kfxf qyrI Éurfk
hY pr qUM ! sfzy Koqy df mÊË ikAu KfDf
? hflF ik bfkI Koqy df srIr Ausy qrf
DrqI Auwqy ipaf sI. isafsqI Èyr ny Èfm
qwk afpxy kuJ eylcIaF nUM nfl lY ky cfr
jfnvrF df iek kimÈn bYTf idwqf. pMjvF
mYNbr afpxy afp nUM inXukq kr ilaf qF
ik loV pYx qy PYslfkuMn vot df iesqymfl
afp kr sky.
kimÈn dIaf mIitMgF kuJ idn cwldIaF
rhIaF pr murdfr (votr) Koqy df srIr hr roË Gtdf igaf. asl ivwc Èyr Es
mfry hoey Koqy dI AuwproN Kwl nF CoVdf aMdro
mfs hr roj KfeI jFdf. ies krky Auh
gwl lmkfAuxI cfhuMdf sI ik ijMnF icr
Koqy df muwdf Kqm nhI huMdf, AunF icr pyt
pUjf qy kMm dUjf cldf rhy. hr kimÈn
dI mIitMg ivc gwl iewko puafieMt Auwqy
AuwBr ky afAuNdI ik “rfjf jI ! qusIN Koqy
df mÊË ikAuN KfDf” hux pUry Koqy dI gwl
koeI nhIN sI krdf. rfjf Èyr kihMdf “Koqy
dy qF mÊË hI nhIN huMdf. jykr Aus dy
mÊË huMdf qF Auh myry kol ikAuN cwl ky afAuNdf.” Èyr kihMdf “mY qF ies Auwpr
iek hor kimÈn ibTfvF gf, jo pqf kr
sky ik Koqy dy mÊË huMdf vI ik nhIN” hux
ieh vI sfbq krnf pYxf jrUrI ho igaf.
tIsI bYTf bFdr ! hr roË dIaF mIitMgF
dI kfrvfeI, kI kuJ ho irhf sB kuJ
afpxy awKIN vyKdf rihMdf. ieMny nUM Au-
wcy dRKwqf Auqy hor bFdr vI iekwTy hoxy
ÈurU ho gey. pr Auh bhuqy bFdr lMzy jF
kuJ dIaF pUCF tuwtIaF hoeIaF sn. ijs
bFdr ny ‘Koqy kFz’ nUM aMjfm idwqf sI
Auh boilaf “hux ! af gey ho lMizE !
qusIN bVIaF pfrtIaF bdlIaf iksy ny
quhfnUM Jwilaf nhIN ?” lMizaF ny jvfb
idwqf “azjst qF asIN ikqy ho jfxf sI
jy sfzy pUCF huMdIaF” “pr! hux qUM afp
dI pUC bcfeIN ? ikAuNik pihlF asIN vI
qyry vflI nMbrdfrI krdy ò gey hF, ijdy
ikqy Èyr nUM iÈkfr nF imldf qF Auh sfzy
Auqy Jwpt pYdf, ijhVy Aus dI pwkV ivc af gey Auh Kqm ho gey. pr asI pUC ptf ky jF quVf ky Bwjy hoey hF, hux lok
sfnUM awD mÊËy lMzy kihMdy” pUC vflf
bFdr BfvyN aMdro ziraf hoieaf sI, pr
Auh AuwcI jgHf bYTf irhf qy Aus ny afp
df pRBfvÈflI lYkcr jfrI rwiKaf “Eh
tOizE ! mYnUM ieAuN nF smiJE ik mY afpxI
pUC ies leI bcfky rwKI ik mYN ies Auqy logV bMn lYxf hY. jykr quhfzy kol pUry
mÊË huMdy qF quhfzIaF pUCF shI slfmq
hoxIaF sn, ajy vI quhfzf koeI bhuqf nuksfn nhIN hoieaf, mYnUM smJ nhIN
afAuNdI ieMnf pUCF qoN qusIN krfAuxf vI kI
sI, bfhr jfky votrF koÜy afpxIaF pUCF
df vfsqf pfvo ik kimÈnF ny kuJ nhIN krnf, bs rfj ivc qbdIlI cfhIdI, sfry jMgÜ dy jfnvrF ivwc jfgqrqf afAuxI jrUrI hY, iek iek krky afpxy votr GtI jfdy hn Kfskr Koqf vrg nUM smJfE ik quhfzy Auqy qF vwzy ielËfm lwg rhy hn ik Èyr rfjf aFhdf quhfzf qF mÊË hI nhIN huMdf” “mY afp bfhr ‘jfnvr drÈn mfrg’ dy tUr qy cwilaf sfied koeI bwbr Èyr dy ijgry vflf iml jfvy pr Auh asl Èyr jfqI ivcoN nF hovy ikAuNik ieh aslI Èyr qF mfs dy KfxsUry hn, aKIr qy aYnf hI khFgf ik ajy ijMnf ku quhfzf mÊË bicaf Aus nfl hI afpdI ËmIr jgf lE, nhIN quhfzf Éfqmf XkInI ey, ajy qF eyQy mINh Gwt pr ! moGy iËafdf Kulxy hn, iPr hVF dy drÈn hox gy, ikMnf ku icr zfhxIE zfhxI lmkdy iPro gy, pyt qF ËmIn Auwqy afky hI BrnF pYxf, myry ivcfr sunx df bhuq ò DMnvfd qfVIaF…[qfVIaF ……hor mfro qfVIaF lMizE ! ikAuNik pUCF ihlfAux Xogy qF quhfnUM Èyr srkfr ny Cwizaf hI nhIN. vYsy vI qusI sfrI Aumr afpxy lIzrF mUhry pUCF hI qF ihlfeIaF sn. jMgl rfj iksy isry nhIN lwgf qy nF hI koeI afs dI ikrn idKfeI idwqI pr votrF ivwc jfgrUkqf idno idn vwD rhI sI. Èfied jMgl dy rfKy jfg pYx. not:- qusIN afrtIkl piVaf DMnvfd ! jy qF quhfnUM koeI smJ peI qF TIk aY, agr jykr mÊË hI rgiVaf igaf qF muafÌI df cfhuMdf !
Email : brar.kds@gmail.com
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Ambassador of India to EU & Lead Negotiator at UNFCCC; Distinguished Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi)
Shailly Kedia (Senior Fellow and Associate Director, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi)
Climate Change is a defining challenge of our times but as the world hurtles toward an escalating climate crisis, India is stepping into a global leadership role to tackle climate change. Armed with a combination of ambition, innovation, and soft power diplomacy, the country has not only set bold climate commitments but has also delivered on them, emerging as a credible leader on the global stage. India’s efforts, grounded in both action and equity, stand as a compelling narrative of how developing countries can balance climate responsibility with economic growth.
Climate Commitments and Credibility
At 2 tonnes, India’s per-capita carbon footprint is the lowest among G20 countries, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has recognised India as the only G20 economy aligned with the 2°C target. India is the world’s largest country in terms of population, comprising around 18% of the global population. It is also the fifth largest economy in the world, on its way to becoming the third largest economy by 2030. Yet, India accounts for only 3.4% of cumulative emissions.
India’s climate commitments are ambitious and measurable, providing a benchmark for others to follow. In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a five-point action plan, or Panchamrit, at the UNFCCC meeting in Glasgow. This included a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and ensure that 50%
of India’s energy needs come from renewable sources by the same year.
India is well on its way to meeting these goals. Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emission intensity of GDP by 36%, demonstrating a rare ability to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. More than 46% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources, with renewable energy capacity—including large hydropower—reaching 203.22 GW. Forest and tree cover now span 25.17% of India’s land, with an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent created between 2005 and 2021.
India’s climate leadership is not confined to domestic achievements. The country has harnessed its soft power to create and lead global coalitions addressing critical aspects of climate resilience, energy transition, and sustainability. These initiatives, often operating outside formal UNFCCC negotiations, amplify India’s efforts to foster collaborative solutions.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by India in 2015, exemplifies this leadership. By uniting 104 member countries and 16 signatory countries, primarily in the Global South, the ISA seeks to make solar energy a central solution for sustainable development. Its focus on reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting technology
transfer has cemented India’s role as a champion of equitable energy transitions.
Similarly, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), initiated in 2019, addresses the growing vulnerability of infrastructure to climate risks. With 41 member countries and seven organisations, it promotes resilience through practical solutions—a crucial agenda in an era of frequent and devastating climateinduced disasters.
In 2023, during its G20 presidency, India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) to accelerate the global adoption of biofuels. With 24 member countries and 12 international organisations, the GBA champions sustainable energy alternatives that reduce emissions while bolstering energy security.
The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), co-founded in 2019, is yet another initiative aimed at decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors. Its 37 members, including countries and corporations, work collaboratively to achieve net-zero emissions in industries like steel and cement by 2050.
India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) further underscores its commitment to behavioural change at both individual and community levels. By encouraging sustainable consumption and production practices, India is not only addressing emissions but also promoting a shift in global attitudes
toward environmental stewardship. India’s presidency of the G20 also saw the launch of the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), an initiative with 39 founding member companies aimed at reducing resource extraction and waste. This focus on circular economies is complemented by domestic efforts such as a green credits programme, right-to-repair initiatives, and updated eco-mark regulations.
A Blueprint for Global South Leadership
India unites countries around shared goals to deliver actionable frameworks addressing real-world challenges. By championing inclusive alliances, India empowers developing countries to participate as equal partners in the global climate dialogue.
With countries in the Global South disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions, India’s efforts also demonstrate that leadership in climate action is not determined by wealth but by vision and resolve.
In a world where trust in multilateralism is eroding, India’s ability to bring diverse stakeholders together offers a model for a cooperative, equitable, and sustainable future. As the sun rises on a new chapter in global climate action, India is lighting the way. It is not merely a participant in the global climate dialogue—it is shaping its trajectory. This is leadership by inspiration.
aYbsPorz (bldyv isMG BMm)- kYnyzf dy pRDfn mMqrI jsitn trUzo dy asqIPf dyx qoN bfad dyÈ ivwc isafsI srgrmIaF hor qyË ho geIaF hn. ijwQy iewk pfsy dy AumIdvfrF ivwc ilbrl pfrtI dy nyqf aqy agly pRDfn mMqrI bxn dI rys ÈurU ho geI hY AuQy ivroDI iDr kMsrvyitv pfrtI ny vI afpxy AumIdvfrF dI cox leI srgrmIaF qyË kr idwqIaF hn. iesy islisly dy ivwc kYnyzf dy sUby ibRitÈ kolMbIaf dy hlky aYbsPorz ivwc kMËrvyitv pfrtI dy mohrI AumIdvfr mfeIk zI XoNg dI nomInyÈn dy hwk ivwc iewk BfrI iekwT hoieaf. ijkrXog hY ik mfeIk zI XoNg jo bIsI dy ieiqhfs dy ivwc sB qoN lMbf smF aYmaYley rihx qoN ielfvf sUby dy aihm qrIn PfienYNs iminstr, syPtI iminstr, hYlQ iminstr, aqy atfrnI jnrl vrgy
mhwqvpUrn ahuidaF Auwqy syvfvF inBfa cuwky hn ny hux PYzrl isafsq vwl afpxf ruK
kr ilaf hY. ies BfrI cox rYlI ivwc stok
vYl zy aqy mYrI polk iKwc df kyNdr rhy. rYlI
dI ÈurUafq mYrI polk ny kIqI jo ik Kud sUbf
isafsq ivwc aihm ahuidaF Auwqy rih cuwky
hn. polk ny lokF nUM dyÈ aMdr vwzy isafsI
bdlfa leI apIl kridaF ikhf ik afAux
vflIaF coxF ivwc kMjrvyitv pfrtI dy hwQ
mjbUq krnf dyÈ dy roÈn BivwK leI byhwd
jrUrI hY. rYlI nUM sMboDn kridaF nOjvfn
bYirstr lvlIn isMG igwl ny ikhf ik il-
brl aqy aYnzIpI pfrtI vwloN lokF ivwc ieh
JUTf Brm PYlfieaf igaf hY ik kMËrvyitv
pfrtI pRvfsI BfeIcfry dy pwK ivwc nhIN hY jdoN ik sfbkf pRDfn mMqrI stIPn hfrpr dI iemIgRyÈn pfilsI dunIaF dI ibhqrIn pfilsI iswD ho cuwkI hY. AunHF ikhf ik drasl pRvfsI BfeIcfry dIaF kdrF kImqF sB qoN vwD kMjrvyitv pfrtI nfl hI myl KFdIaF hn. AuprMq hfËrIn dIaF qfVIaF dI gUMj ivwc mfeIk zI joNg rYlI ivwc dfKl hoey. afpxy sMboDn dOrfn AunHF ikhf ik kMjrvyitv pfrtI lok nËrIey nUM qrjIh dyvygI qy aglI srkfr lokF dy Auwqy pey tYksF dy vfDU boJ nUM GtfAux df kMm krygI. AunHF ikhf ik ilbrl
pfrtI vwloN lgfieaf igaf kYpItl gyn tYks hwz BMnvIN imhnq nfl pRoprtI bxfAux vfly afm lokF nfl srfsr Dwkf hY qy ieh imhnqkÈF dI jIvn pUMjI dy Auwqy PYzrl srkfr df vwzf zfkf hY. mfeIk zI joNg ny ikhf ik srkfrF nUM byloVy Krcy qoN bcxf cfhIdf hY ikAuNik srkfrF dy aigafnqf aqy gVbVI vfly ivwqI pRbMD tYks pyar dI hor vDyry luwt df sbwb bxdy hn. gOrqlb hY ik sUby dy PfienFs minstr huMidaF mfeIk zI joNg bIsI sUby dI JolI ivc cfr sMquilq bwjt pfky afpxI kfblIaq df lohf mnvf cuwky hn. mfeIk zI joNg ny pMjfbI BfeIcfry df ivÈyÈ rUp ivwc DMnvfd kridaF ikhf ik pMjfbI BfeIcfry ny AuhnF dy isafsI jIvn ivwc hmyÈf hI AuhnF df sfQ idwqf hY qy afpxf pirvfrk mYNbr bxfky rwiKaf hY. aKIr ivwc isr kwZ kMjrvyitv afgU, sfbkf ivroDI iDr dy nyqf aqy sfbkf minstr afP tryz stok vYl zy ny rYlI nUM sMboDn kridaF ikhf ik ilbrl pfrtI aqy aYnzIpI afpxIaF mfrU nIqIaF nfl lok ihwqF df vwzf nuksfn kr rhIaF hn. AuhnF pIar polIaYv df smrQn kridaF ikhf ik pIar df isafsI jIvn drasl AuhnF dy dPqr
qoN hI ÈurU hoieaf sI. AunHF ikhf ik pIar dI pRiqBf dwsdI hY ik Auh dyÈ dy ibhqrIn pRDfn mMqrI iswD hoxgy. ies mOky istI afP aYbsPorz dy kONslr aqy sfbkf aYmaYley sfeImn igpsn
The 18th Annual Miri Piri Championships was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 talented wrestlers from across British Columbia and two teams from Alberta. The event featured athletes from grades 1 to 12, with some of Canada’s top wrestlers delivering electrifying performances that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
For the second consecutive year, the Canadian Mal Wrestling Club from Surrey, BC, took home the prestigious team trophy, showcasing their incred-
ible skill and teamwork. The competition was a testament to the growth and passion for wrestling in Western Canada, providing young athletes with a platform to shine and learn.
This event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the generous contributions of our sponsors. Their support ensured a seamless experience for participants and spectators alike.
For a full list of individual results and highlights from the competition, visit www.trackwrestling. com. We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!
ibRitÈ kolMbIaf qoN 300 qoN vwD pRiqBfÈflI pihlvfnF aqy albrtf dIaF do tImF nUM iekwTf krdy hoey 18vIN slfnf mIrI pIrI cYNpIaniÈp Èfndfr kfmXfb rhI. ies eIvYNt ivwc gRyz 1 qoN 12 qwk dy aYQlItF nUM pyÈ kIqf igaf, kYnyzf dy kuJ cotI dy pihlvfnF ny ibjlI dy pRdrÈn pyÈ kIqy ijs ny drÈkF nUM afpxIaF sItF dy iknfry 'qy rwiKaf. lgfqfr dUjy sfl, srI, bI[sI[ dy kYnyzIan mfl kuÈqI klwb ny afpxy Èfndfr hunr aqy tIm vrk df pRdrÈn krdy hoey, vwkfrI tIm trfPI afpxy nF kIqI. ieh mukfblf pwCmI kYnyzf ivwc kuÈqI leI ivkfs aqy jnUMn df pRmfx sI, ijs nfl nOjvfn aYQlItF nUM cmkx aqy iswKx
leI iewk plytPfrm pRdfn kIqf igaf. ieh smfgm sfzy smripq vlMtIarF dy axQwk XqnF aqy sfzy spFsrF dy Audfr Xogdfn qoN ibnF sMBv nhIN sI. AuhnF dy smrQn ny BfgIdfrF aqy drÈkF leI iewk sihj anuBv nUM XkInI bxfieaf. mukfbly dy ivakqIgq nqIijaF aqy hfeIlfeIts dI pUrI sUcI leI, www.trackwrestilng.com 'qy jfE. asIN agly sfl iewk hor vwzI aqy ibhqr Gtnf dI AumId krdy hF!
jdoN asIN jnvrI ivc afpxf rsqf bxfAuNdy hF, qF ibRitÈ kolMbIaf dy iËafdfqr ihwisaF ivc Krfb mOsm aqy byaMq bfrÈ sfzy ivcoN bhuq sfry lokF nUM nIvF mihsUs kr skdI hY[ kuJ lokF leI, ieh BfvnfvF “srdIaF dy blUË” dy guËrrhy kys qoN awgy jFdIaF hn aqy kuJ hor gMBIr ivwc bdl jFdIaF hn[ sIËnl aPykitv izsafrzr, jF aYseyzI,
AudfsInqf df iewk rUp hY jo hr sfl iewko smyN vfprdf hY, afm qOr ‘qy pqJV aqy srdIaF dy mhIinaF dOrfn. bIsI dy lokF
leI, ijwQy sfl dy ies smyN slytI asmfn aqy lgfqfr bfrÈ afm gwl hY, akflI dl Kfs qOr ‘qy BfrI mihsUs kr skdf hY.
aYs[ey[zI[ Gwt sUrj dI rOÈnI kfrn ÈurU huMdf hY jo Coty idnF dy nfl afAuNdI hY. rOÈnI dI ieh kmI quhfzy srIr dI aMdrUnI GVI nUM ivgfV skdI hY, jo nINd aqy mUz nUM inXmq krdI hY. ieh syrotoinn dy Auqpfdn nUM vI pRBfvq krdf hY, idmfg ivwc iewk rsfiex jo mUz nUM pRBfvq krdf hY, aqy mylftoinn, iewk hfrmon jo nINd nUM pRBfvq krdf hY[ nqIjf? iewk inrMqr, inrfÈfjnk Bfvnf jo quhfzI kMm krn, irÈiqaF nUM bxfeI rwKx aqy roËfnf iËMdgI df anMd lYx dI Xogqf nUM pRBfivq kr skdI hY. hflFik aYseyzI dy iËafdfqr mfmly hnyry mhIinaF ivwc huMdy hn, aYseyzI df iewk durlwB rUp grmIaF
ivwc ho skdf hY, hflFik ieh bhuq Gwt afm hY[ aYseyzI dy lwCx aksr vwzy AudfsInqf dy lwCxF nUM drsfAuNdy hn. qusIN idn dy iËafdfqr smyN, lgBg hr idn, hPiqaF dy aMq qwk iewk nIvF, Audfs mUz mihsUs
kr skdy ho. nINd ivwc ivGn pY skdf hY, qusIN afpxy afp nUM iËafdf sONdy hoey aqy ajy vI Qkfvt mihsUs kr skdy ho, jF quhfnUM
pUrI qrHF sOx ivwc muÈkl ho skdI hY. Bojn
dI lflsf, Kfs krky kfrbohfeIzryt aqy
imTfeIaF leI, afm hn aqy Bfr vDfAux
df kfrn bx skdIaF hn[ qusIN icVicVy
mihsUs kr skdy ho, dosqF aqy pirvfr qoN
vwK ho skdy ho, jF AuhnF gqIivDIaF ivwc
idlcspI nhIN lY skdy ijMnHF nUM qusIN kdy
ipafr krdy sI. iekfgrqf muÈkl ho skdI hY, aqy kuJ lokF leI, lwCx BfrI mihsUs ho skdy hn, iewQoN qwk ik inrfÈf dy ivcfrF
df kfrn vI bx skdy hn[ KuÈiksmqI nfl, akflI dl df pRbMDn krn aqy ienHF slytI
mhIinaF nUM vDyry sihxXog bxfAux dy qrIky
hn[ lfeIt QYrypI sB qoN pRBfvÈflI ielfjF
ivwcoN iewk hY. ies ivwc iewk ivÈyÈ qOr ‘qy izËfeIn kIqy lfeItbfks dI vrqoN krnf
Èfml hY jo kudrqI sUrj dI rOÈnI dI nkl
krdf hY. hr svyr 20 qoN 30 imMtF leI
lfeItbfks dy nyVy bYTxf quhfzy srIr dI
aMdrUnI GVI nUM rIsYwt krn aqy quhfzy mUz nUM
ibhqr bxfAux ivwc mdd kr skdf hY. bIsI
ivwc bhuq sfry lok lfeIt QYrypI nUM ivÈyÈ
qOr ‘qy lfBdfiek mMndy hn ikAuNik sfzIaF
brsfqI srdIaF df mqlb aksr sUrj dI
rOÈnI qoN ibnF idn huMdy hn. mINh pYx ‘qy vI
bfhr inklxf vI mdd kr skdf hY. kudrqI
idn dI rOÈnI, iewQoN qwk ik DuMdly idnF ivwc
vI, lfBdfiek huMdI hY[ iksy pfrk jF bIsI
dy bhuq sfry suMdr mfrgF ivwcoN iewk dy nfl
sYr krnf hYrfnIjnk kMm kr skdf hY, nf
isrP rOÈnI dy sMprk ivwc, blik qfËI hvf
aqy aMdoln nfl afAux vfly mfnisk AuqÈfh
leI[ bkfiedf srIrk gqIivDI aYseyzI
df mukfblf krn df iewk hor pRBfvÈflI
qrIkf hY. ksrq aYNzoriPn, srIr dy kudrqI
“PIl-guwz” rsfiexF nUM jfrI krdI hY, jo
mUz aqy AUrjf dy pwDrF dovF ivwc suDfr kr
skdI hY[ Kurfk vI iewk BUimkf inBfAuNdI hY.
hflFik TMzy mhIinaF dOrfn afrfmdfiek
BojnF vwl muVnf mnmohk huMdf hY, sMquilq
Kurfk ‘qy iDafn kyNdirq krnf iewk vwzf
Prk ilaf skdf hY[ Emygf -3 PYtI aYisz
nfl BrpUr Bojn, ijvyN ik sYlmn jF aKrot,
idmfg dI ishq leI Kfs qOr ‘qy mddgfr
huMdy hn. iehnF nUM pUry anfj aqy qfËIaF
sbËIaF nfl joVnf quhfzI AUrjf nUM bxfeI
rwKx aqy smuwcI qMdrusqI ivwc suDfr krn
ivwc mdd kr skdf hY. smfijk qOr ‘qy juVy
rihxf vI Enf hI mhwqvpUrn hY. srdIaF
dI iekwlqf AudfsI dIaF BfvnfvF nUM hor
ivgfV skdI hY, ies leI dosqF jF pirvfr nUM imlx leI smF kwZxf (iewQoN qwk ik vrcual qOr ‘qy vI) Aus cwkr nUM qoVn ivwc mdd kr skdf hY[ sDfrx kMm ijvyN ik iksy ipafry nfl cfh df kwp sFJf krnf jF iksy BfeIcfrk gqIivDI ivwc Èfml hoxf sMbMD aqy afpxypx dI Bfvnf pYdf kr skdf hY. gMBIr lwCxF nfl jUJ rhy lokF leI, pyÈyvr shfieqf leI phuMcxf mhwqvpUrn hY[ quhfzI siQqI dy aDfr ‘qy slfh-mÈvrf, boDivvhfrk QYrypI, jF dvfeI vrgy ielfjF dI isPfrÈ kIqI jf skdI hY. bIsI ivwc kYnyzIan mYNtl hYlQ aYsosIeyÈn (sIaYmaYcey) vrgIaF sMsQfvF akflI dl aqy hor mfnisk ishq cuxOqIaF nfl nijwTx vfilaF leI kImqI sroq pRdfn krdIaF hn. hflFik bIsI dIaF srdIaF byaMq lwg skdIaF hn, ieh Xfd rwKxf mhwqvpUrn hY ik mINh afKrkfr suMnI idnF nUM rsqf dyvygf[ bsMq hmyÈf afAuNdI hY, lMby idn aqy cmkdfr akfÈ ilafAuNdI hY[ AudoN qwk, CotIaF, jfxbuwJ ky kIqIaF kfrvfeIaF, ijvyN ik rOÈnI dI Bfl krnf, ikirafÈIl rihxf, cMgI qrHF Kfxf aqy dUijaF nfl juVnf akflI dl dy pRbMDn ivwc vwzf Prk ilaf skdf hY. quhfnUM iekwly ies df sfhmxf krn dI ËrUrq nhIN hY, aqy cmkdfr idn swcmuwc nyVy hn[
aYbtsPorz (gurdIp isMG gryvfl) kYnyzf ‘c hfkI dI nfmvr sMsQf Pilz hfkI ibRitsL kolMbIaf vloN pMjfbx iKzfrn punIq kOr ilwt nUM jUnIar aMzr 16 ‘plyar afP dI XIar’ snmfn idwqf igaf hY. ijlHf luiDafxf dI rfeykot qihsIl dy ipMz burjL ilwtF dy jsmyl isMG rfjU ilwt dI hoxhfr DI punIq kOr ny 9 sfl dI Aumr ‘c hfkI KyzxI sLurU kIqI sI. aYbtsPorz dy PryjLr vYlI PIlz hfkI klwb dI iKzfrn punIq kOr ilwt iclfbYk dy jI zbilAU grfhm skUl ivKy 11vIN jmfq dI ividafrQx hY qy afpxI tIm ivc Pfrvrz pujIsLn qy hfkI KyzdI hY. qyjL qrfr hfkI iKzfrn vjoN jfxI jFdI punIq kOr ny agsq 2024 ‘c kYligrI ivKy hoeI aMzr 16 lVkIaF dy Pilz hfkI nYsLnl
cYNpIanisLp mukfbilaF ‘c afpxI tIm vloN kuwl 29 ivcoN 13 gol krky ‘tOp skorr’
df snmfn pRfpq kIqf sI. punIq kOr ilwt meI ‘c PrFs ivKy hfkI Kyzx jfvygI.
aYbtsPorz (gurdIp isMG gryvfl) kYnyzf dy ibRitsL kolMbIaf sUby dIaF 70 Kyz sMsQfvF dI pRqIinD sMsQf sport bI[sI[ vloN vwKvwK KyzF dy Kyqr ivc idwqy jFdy slfnf srboqm snmfn ‘aQlIt afP dI XIar 2024’ vfsqy cuxy gey iKzfrIaF dy nfvF df aYlfn kr idwqf hY. kuwl 36 iKzfrIaF ‘coN 2 pMjfbI pihlvfn vI ies vwkfrI snmfn leI cuxy gey hn. Kflsf rYsilMg klwb dy
sMsQfpk qy ijlHf jlMDr dy ipMz sMgvfl dy blvIr isMG ZysI dy PrjMd AulMpIan pihlvfn amrvIr isMG ZysI qy ijlHf luiDafxf dy jgrfAuN nyVly ipMz sLyrpur dy hoxhfr pihlvfn mfeIkljIq isMG gryvfl nUM ‘aQlIt afP dI XIar 2024’ snmfn nfl invfijaf jfvygf. gurU goibMd isMG rYsilMg klwb aYbtsPorz dy pihlvfn mfeIkljIq isMG gryvfl ny pYn-amrIkn
aYbtsPorz (gurdIp isMG gryvfl) kYnyzf dy sLihr vYnkUvr ivKy siQq BfrqI kONslKfny ‘c Bfrq df 76vF gxqMqr idvs mnfieaf igaf. smfgm dI sLurUafq Bfrq qy kYnyzf dy kOmI qrfny ‘jn gn mn’ aqy ‘E kYnyzf’ nfl kIqI geI, AuprMq kONsl jnrl mskUeI rMgsMg ny iqrMgf lihrfAux dI rsm adf kIqI aqy Bfrq dy rfsLtrpqI dropdI murmU vloN kYnyzf vsdy pRvfsI BfrqIaF dy nFa sMdyaL pVH ky suxfNidaF aqy gxqMqr idvs dI mhfnqf bfry dwisaf. ies mOky BfrqI POj ivc vwK vwK AuWc ahuidaF qy rhy sfbkf POjI iswK aiDkfrIaF ny iqrMgy nUM slfmI idwqI. smfgm mOky BfrqI kONslKfny dy sfry aiDkfrI qy AunHF dy pirvfrk mYbr hfjLr sn. vYnkUvr ‘c Bfrq dy 76vyN gxqMqr idvs mOky kONsl jnrl mskUeI rMgsMg qy AunHF dI pqnI ijMgcfrvn rMgsMg BfrqI POj dy syvfmukq iswK aiDkfrIaF nfl KVHy ivKfeI dy rhy hn.
rYsilMg cYNpIanisLp 2024 lVikaF dy 92 iklo vrg kusLqI mukfbilaF ‘c 2 sony dy qgmy ijwqy sn jd ik tokIE qy pYirs AulMipk KyzF ‘c afpxI dmdfr kusLqI dy jOhr ivKf cuwky amrvIr isMG
ZysI ny brimMGm rfsLtr mMzl KyzF ‘c son qgmf ijwiqaf sI. ienfm vMz smfgm 6 mfrc nUM vYnkUvr ‘c hovygf.
By Jai Birdi, Executive Director , Chetna Association of Canada (“Chetna”)
While dissent is an acceptable, often facilitated, and essential tool for sustaining democracies, it needs to be expressed peacefully and without destroying public or private property, or using any other means of terrorism. By creating unrest or generating fear, very little is usually gained and the public support is often lost. The recent attack and vandalism of the statue of Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar in Amritsar on the Republic Day of India, January 26, is an example of a non-effective way of expressing dissent. The Chetna Association of Canada strongly condemn such acts of violence and terrorism which may lead to severe civil unrest. Reading about the response and intervention of the bystanders who asked the
offender to stop the vandalism of the statue of the most popular contemporary symbol of equality and knowledge is reassuring, because it reinforces that the general public in Punjab doesn’t endorse violence or destruction of the property, let alone symbols of the nation builders and public figures. People of Punjab are united. The Chetna Association of Canada has high regard for the Fathers and Sustainers of Democracy globally. It also takes significant inspiration from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Father of Indian Constitution and believes that it is because of the Constitution of India, a significant number of the marginalized communities, women, and the “third gender” have been enabled to self-develop and be contributing citizens of India. Therefore, the Constitution of India, in the eyes of these beneficiaries, has no less value than a “Holy Book”. The Chetna
Association of Canada urges the people to express dissent through the effective channels of engagement wherever they live. In response to this ill-intended incident that has caused a turmoil, a call for Punjab Bandh on January 28 is made. Given the seriousness of the crime, Chetna also urges the Punjab Police and the other authorities to take serious actions to mitigate such crimes. While the offender has now been arrested and described as a person of the “scheduled caste” community, we believe the due diligence and response needs to the heinous crime need to be taken on its own merit without consideration for the caste identity. The Chetna Association of Canada also urges the patrons of Dr. Ambedkar to remain peaceful and continue to work with the relevant authorities to sustain peace and order in India. While the incident of this heinous
crime is a sad chapter, the Chetna Association of Canada extends its congratulations on the 76th Republic Day of India. I end this message with the following quotes of Dr. Ambedkar: “Indeed, if I may say so, if things go wrong under the new Constitution, the reason will not be that we had a bad Constitution. What we will have to say is, that Man was vile.” – BR Ambedkar speaking to the Constituent Assembly of India, November 1948. “However good the Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good it will prove to be bad”. Therefore, providing law and procedure for its implementation may not result as desired if the persons who are implementing the same have mala fide intention or do not respect the law and its procedure.” – Dr BR Ambedkar
Archway Community Services is hosting an evening of art, culture and community at Diverse VOICES – An Evening of Spoken Poetry on February 27th. This free event will feature a powerful lineup of Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC) poets each sharing their unique stories and rich perspectives through the art of spoken word alongside light refreshments.
“Diverse VOICES is more than just a performance; it’s an immersive and transformative experience designed to inspire and connect,” said Melissa Ly, event organizer.
As each poet takes the stage, the audience will be invited to reflect on themes of resiliency, identity and the beauty of language. This event will provide a platform for voices that often go unheard, creating a space for connection, understanding and artistic expression.
“This is a rare opportunity to uplift unheard voices and cultivate a deeper understanding of diverse experiences through artistic expression,” said Ly.
“Every individual comes from distinct backgrounds and has traveled unique paths. These experiences lead to meaningful stories worth sharing,” said Ly. “I can’t wait to hear the courageous voices that will share their poetry, and I hope every attendee leaves with an expanded perspective of the world.”
Those who are interested in speaking at this event can contact the organizer at Melissa.ly@archway.ca by Monday, February 10th.
Diverse Voices will be hosted at Open Space in downtown Abbotsford on February 27th, 2025, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. This event is free to attend, and you can reserve your tickets through Eventbrite or by visiting Archway.ca/Poetry.
The City of Abbotsford, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of BC, is pleased to announce that construction is starting on energy efficiency upgrades at Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC), as part of the Heat Recovery and Optimization (HeRO) project. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing air quality, sustainability and patron experience of this staple community facility.
The ARC HeRO project involves retrofitting the facility’s existing HVAC system to connect all heating systems throughout the building. This retrofit will capture waste heat from the aquatic centre and arena and redistribute to other areas that require heating, thereby decreasing energy use and reducing carbon pollution. These improvements are projected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 40% and greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. In addition to optimizing energy use, these upgrades will provide better ventilation and more consistent temperatures in the pool area.
Construction begins this week and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. ARC will remain open and operational throughout the construction period, during which there may be possible noise impacts and intermittent interruptions to space use or programming throughout the facility. Any program or space disruptions will be communicated to users via onsite signage, the City’s webpage, on social media and via the Direct2Rec recreation programming website. More information on the ARC HeRO project is available at www.abbotsford.ca/arc-hero. In addition to heat optimization and energy efficiency upgrades, this project also includes accessibility improvements to the wheelchair pool lifts, which were completed in fall 2023. These enhancements ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate spaces independently and safely. This ARC HeRO project is funded in part by a more than $4.45 million investment by the Government of Canada, through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, and a $4.2 million investment by the Province of BC, through the Growing Communities Fund.
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Students studying at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus will have access to more on-campus housing beds and a new dining hall, with construction underway.
“Students need a place to call home when they are studying and preparing for their future careers,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “As more people seek higher education, we’re working to build the student housing they need, while also easing pressure on local rental markets and helping communities become healthier and more affordable.”
The new addition will provide 266 new beds, a 200-seat dining hall, study rooms, lounges, shared kitchens, a multi-purpose room, bike storage, shared laundry and office spaces for staff.
“I’ve lived in VIU student residences for three years and have enjoyed every second of it,” said Samantha Overland, a third-year geography student at VIU. “Living on campus and having access
to all the resources the university has to offer within walking distance has definitely contributed to my success as a student. It is almost impossible to find housing now as a young person, so the new housing building is going to take a lot of stress away from people who are worried about finding a place to live.”
Construction began on the project in fall 2024 and is expected to be complete by 2027. The Province is committing up to $103 million to support construction. The 10-storey building will use mass timber, a renewable resource with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete construction. Construction plans have achieved Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code and meet CleanBC’s energyefficiency requirements for new buildings. The project will also achieve Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification as it offers extensive accessibility features for students, such as seven accessible units and multiple barrier-free facilities, including wash-
rooms, kitchen and lounge areas on each floor.
“I have heard from students that secure and affordable housing are important to them so they can focus on their studies,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Adding additional student beds and amenities at VIU Nanaimo means that more students can make campus their home and get the most out of their post-secondary experience. This project is part of our government’s commitment to build 12,000 student housing units, with more than 10,760 student beds already built or underway.”
The campus is connected to a geoexchange system, which circulates water from the flooded, abandoned Wakesiah coal mine underneath the VIU campus, to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by decreasing output for heating and cooling several VIU buildings to near zero. The student housing building will connect to an expansion of the system, which will
provide the capacity to connect the rest of the student housing buildings in the future.
Student housing is one type of critical infrastructure the Province is building to help growing communities thrive. The Province is also making investments in K-12 schools and health-care facilities. Since 2017, the Province has supported seismic upgrades at two schools (590 safer seats), built additions at two schools (395 seats) and has two more additions in development in the Nanaimo area.
The Province has invested in upgrades to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, including a $60-million intensive care unit (ICU), a high-acuity unit project and a cancer centre. The ICU opened in June 2023 and the highacuity unit is expected to open later in 2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 on the cancer centre as well as on a new $286-million longterm care facility in Lantzville, just north of Nanaimo.
First Nations’ leaders and provincial officials are coming together for the ninth B.C. cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, where they will collaborate on ways to recognize, respect and advance government-togovernment relationships.
Premier David Eby, together with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip; Chief Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive; Regional Chief Terry Teegee; and Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, opened the event on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. They are committed to creating new partnerships and building on the strong foundation of government-to-government relationships developed over the past
seven years. This will help advance meaningful reconciliation in the province that upholds self-determination and creates opportunity for everyone in B.C.
Over two days, the gathering will provide dedicated space and time for new and returning provincial leaders to learn more about the priorities of individual First Nations at the community level. It also gives time for the Premier and cabinet ministers to share details about the new government’s priorities and ministerial commitments.
With more than 1,000 people representing more than 200 First Nations registered to attend, and more than 1,300 one-on-one meetings scheduled, this will be the busiest gathering to
date. There will be opportunities for participants to join in plenary and discussion sessions on a variety of topics, such as new government commitments, a reflection on the 10-year anniversary of the Tŝilhqot'in Decision, climate action, children and families, repatriation and more.
The gathering is co-hosted and organized by the provincial government
and the First Nations Leadership Council, which is comprised of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
Is prioritizing your health a goal this winter? Follow these tips for a healthier, happier season:
Make your home a haven. Transform your home into a cozy retreat from the cold. Adding fuzzy blankets, fleece pillows, scented candles and family photographs to your living space can help create a warm, welcoming environment to soothe your soul.
Try your hand at winter sports. Exercise is great for your mind and body, and can strengthen your muscles and immune system. Winter sports like skiing, ice-skating or even snowboarding can be a fun and invigorating challenge
Be mindful of your mental health. With low sunlight and cold weather, it’s easy
for the winter blues to set in. A light therapy lamp can help supplement natural light, but remember to speak to a mental health therapist or physician if you need extra support.
Practice good sleep hygiene. Sleeping well is key to staying healthy. Try to keep good habits, like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. It may sound obvious, but avoiding screens before bed can help you get to and stay asleep. If you have trouble staying offline, use an app or timed lockbox to make sure you unplug.
Get on top of your healthcare. Check in with your healthcare provider to make sure your tests and vaccines are all up to date. If you have a cough or feel
the winter blues, speak to someone sooner than later to feel better faster.
To see a doctor or nurse practitioner quickly and conveniently, try a virtual care platform like Maple. Connecting with a provider from home can help you stay on top of your health and tackle problems when they arise.
Plan healthy meals. Fruits and veggies packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fibre can boost your energy and keep you feeling your best. Try new recipes featuring seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, winter squash, beets and apples.
Fight back against germs. Help prevent colds and flus by washing your hands regularly, coughing into your sleeve and carrying hand sanitizer with you when you’re on the go. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, like doorknobs and light switches.
smJ sky, ienHF aMdr cwldy anykF hI rOilaF dy Èor, dy dyvy iek moZf ijwQy jf ky ieh vI kr skx, afpxIaF rIJF dIaF gwÜF, jo ienHF aMdr bYTy bwcy nUM kry Auh lfz ijs nUM ieh afpxy bcpn ivc hI ikqy Cwz afeIaF sI, qF ik ieh bx ky nf rih jfx[
jdoN GroN inklIaF qF sI afpxy supny pUry krn, pr kdoN iËMmyvfrIaF pUrIaF krn lwg geIaF, pqf hI nhIN lwigaf. ienHF ny GroN AuzfrI qF mfrI sI supinaF dI sohxI dunIaf dyKx leI pr kdoN ieh ieMnI dUr inkl geIaF ik muVnf aOKf ho igaf, pqf hI nhIN lwigaf. ieh mfipaF dIaF vwzIaF DIaF, kdoN AunHF dy vwzy puwq bx geIaF, pqf hI nhIN lwigaf. afpxy cfa, rIJF, supny mfr afpxy Coty BYx-BrfvF, mfipaF dIaF iËMmyvfrIaF cwukx lwgIaF, pqf hI nI lwigaf. byÊfny mulk ivc rihMidaF ikMny ikMny sfl ho gey, idl vI hux sÉq ho gey, ijnHF ny mfipaF dI GUr qwk nhIN sI dyKI, hux jdoN kMm ’qy mYnyjr GUrdy ny qF cuwp kr ky sih jFdIaF ny. iËMdgI dy iemiqhfn hux sihx krny iswK ley ny, ienHF DIaF ny.
iekwlIaF, cuwp-cfp iPrdIaF, iksy dy dyKx ’qy muskrfAux vflIaF aksr mfipaF dIaF vwzIaF DIaF hI huMdIaF ny. kdy gOr nfl qikE ienHF dIaF awKF ’c, puwiCE kdy ienHF nUM vI koeI idl dI gwl, awKF Br, gwlF bdl, bs hws ky sfr dyx geIaF pr aMdr dy rOly iksy nfl nhIN krdIaF, zrdIaF jo ny mfipaF dI iewËq rolx qoN. prdysF ivc bYTIaF vI ieh mfipaF dIaF idwqIaF mwqF, iswiKafvF hr pl cyqy rwKdIaF ny. hr ÉuÈI, ÊmI ’qy AunHF nUM Xfd kr roNdIaF, pr kdy AunHF qwk afpxy ÊmF df syk qwk nhIN jfx idMdIaF. mfipaF nfl cVHdI klf ivc gwl krn vflIaF ieh DIaF afpxy aMdr pqf nhIN, kI kI leI iPrdIaF ny. prdysF ivc quhfnUM eydF dIaF anyk hI DIaF iml jfxgIaF vyKx nUM. pr Èfied pMjfb ivc vI rihMdIaF ny, ieh JwlIaF, BolIaF DIaF. jo shury Gr dy duwK hws ky sih jFdIaF, kdy afpxy bwicaF leI aqy kdy afpxy ipE dI iewËq leI. eydF dIaF DIaF awj dI sdI ivc vI afpxI aOlfd dI iËMdgI bxfAux leI sih jFdIaF
pRnIq kOr
anykF hI vDIkIaF, jo huMdIaF ny Êlq, asih, pr iPr vI ieh afpxI aOlfd qwk nI afAux idMdIaF AunHF vDIkIaF df boJ. sB nUM cVHdI klf isKfAuNdIaF, afp iËMdgI dy rMg mfxny Buwl jFdIaF.
shury Gr jf prdysI bYTIaF DIaF dy idlF ’c bs afpxy mfpy qy BYx-BrfvF dIaF iÌkrF hI cwldIaF ny. afpxy leI kdy kuJ nf mMgx vflIaF, sfrI Aumr afpxy pirvfrF dI suwK-ÈFqI leI rwb awgy duafvF krdIaF nI QwkdIaF. afpxy pirvfr dy supny cyqy rwKdIaF, AunHF dy cfa, rIJF nUM sfrf idn afpxy nfl cwkI
iPrdIaF ieh vI Buwl jFdIaF ik afpxy supny, armfn, rIJF, sdrF ikhVI potlI ivc pf ky lY ky afeIaF sI, jF Èfied
Auh qF rih geIaF ikqy ipwCy hI bfbl dy ivhVy. Buwl jFdIaF ik ieh vI afeIaF sI kdy ieQy sohxI iËMdgI jIx, cfa pUry krn. kfÈ, koeI smJ skdf, ienHF dy idlF dy boJ, smJ skdf ienHF aMdr cwldy svflF dy Èor, dy idMdf hOslf, ijwQy pYNdI ienHF nUM loV.
BYxF-BrfvF dy cfa pUry krn df jnUMn
ieh hwsdIaF qF ny pr Èfied KuÈ hoxf Buwl geIaF. prmfqmf kry ieh DIaF ijQy vI hox, ÉuÈ rihx . loVF pUrIaF krn leI ienHF DIaF dI kudrq afp shfieqf kry aqy ieh DIaF idn duwgxI qy rfq cOguxI qrwkI krn . prmfqmf hr mF-bfp df dUr vwsdIaF DIaF nfl myl krvfey.
kfÈ! koeI dws skdf ienHF nUM ky iËMdgI jIx df quhfnUM vI Enf hI hwk af, afpxy leI socxf Êlq nhIN, kdy-kdy iÌkrF dy boJ pfsy rwK mfx ilaf kro, qusIN vI iËMdgI dy rMg. afpxy ’qy afey duwKF nUM rwb df Bfxf mMn ky jIx vflIaF ieh DIaF, pqf nhIN ikQoN lY afAuNdIaF ny ieMnf sbr qy hOslf ik imldIaF ny iËMdgI nUM roË nvyN hI joÈ nfl. kdy-kdy mYN socdIN hF ik
Èfied ieh jfxdIaF ny tuwty supinaF df duwK aqy ieh afpxf pUrf Ëor lf idMdIaF ik kdy ienHF dy iksy afpxy nUM ieh duwK nf imly. pirvfrF nUM joV ky rwKx vflIaF aMdroN ikMnIaF tuwtIaF ny Èfied koeI nhIN
Coty BYx-BrfvF dy cfa pUry kridaF KuÈ huMdIaF dy, afpxy cfa kdoN mr gey, Auh vyly vI cyqy nhIN rwKdIaF. afpxy BYxBrfvF df DIaF-puwqF vFg moh krdIaF qy do-do GrF dy shfry bxI bYTIaF, jdoN kdy afp iekwlIaF bYTdIaF, qF ienHF dy duwKF nUM suxn vflf koeI nhIN huMdf. ikMny idn rfqF ieh ro ky kwZ idMdIaF. pr pirvfr nUM kdy kuJ nI dwsdIaF, ieh moh dIaF mfrIaF kdoN moh qoN swKxI iËMdgI jIx lwg jFdIaF. ienHF nUM afp vI nhIN pqf lwgdf.
jfxdf. sfzIaF mFvF, dfdIaF vI ny GrF
dIaF vwzIaF DIaF, ienHF ny vI ley hoxy kdy iËMdgI nUM mfxn dy supny, AunHF kol bYT ky kdy suixaf kro AunHF dy supny, AunHF dIaF vI kiraf kro aflIaF-BolIaF rIJF nUM pUrf, ienHF dy muwK ’qy afey hfsy pqf nhIN sfzy ikMny duwKF nUM dUr kr dyx. dwsxf kdy afpxIaF BYxF, shylIaF, iËMdgI dIaF sfQxF nUM ik bs, afpxy pirvfrF dy shfry bxdIaF ikqy afpxy leI sfQ
lwBxy nf Buwl jfieE. jy swcf sfQ imlU qF hwQ PV ilE, soc ky smJ ky qFik quhfzy mnF dIaF AuÜJxF nUM vI koeI sulJf sky. aMdr dy rOly, iËMmyvfrIaF qoN kdy QwikE nf, bs iek sfQ lwiBE, jo vMzf sky iËMmyvfrIaF nUM, sB df kirE, pr afpxf krnf nf BuwilE. awj df idn myrf iehI socF ivc lMG igaf ik kdoN imlU ienHF DIaF nUM afpxI soc dy hfx df koeI sfQ, ijs dy afAux nfl ieh vI KuÈ hoxf iswK jfx, jo smJy ienHF dy idl dIaF rmËF nUM aqy dy dyvy,ienHF nUM AuhI AuzfrI leI KMB, jo lfAux leI ieh kdy GroN inklIaF sI. jo smJ sky, ienHF aMdr cwldy anykF hI rOilaF dy Èor, dy dyvy iek moZf ijwQy jf ky ieh vI kr skx, afpxIaF rIJF dIaF gwÜF, jo ienHF aMdr bYTy bwcy nUM kry Auh lfz ijs nUM ieh afpxy bcpn ivc hI ikqy Cwz afeIaF sI, qF ik ieh bx ky nf rih jfx, bs, Gr dIaF vwzIaF DIaF‘jI ilE hws ky qusIN, nf ijAuxf Buwl jfieE
horF leI ijAuNdIaF, nf KuÈ hoxf Buwl jfieE
cyqy rwiKE,mfipaF dIaF, idwqIaF mwqF nUM
pr ienHF sB dy ivc , nf muskrfAuxf Buwl jfieE.’
rwb kry! ieh DIaF ijQy vI rihx, sdf ÉuÈIaF mfnx. Gr dIaF vwzIaF DIaF jdoN puwq bx ky bxdIaF ny mfipaF df shfrf
gjLl
blivMdr ‘bflm’
tuwkIaF hoeIaF aMbIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
ibn CwqF dy QMmHIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
gozI qoN ibn DrqI ny KusLhfl nhIN hoxf, dsqy qoN ibn rMbIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
jugnUM sfry jwg nUM pRkfsL nhIN dy skdy, rfqF eynIaF lMmIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
KusLbU qoN ibn gulsLn ivwc vIrfnI pY jfAU,
klIaF cMgIaF cMgIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
BwTI vflLI ny iehnF dI kdr nhIN pfAuxI,
mINh nfl CwlIaF JMbIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
eyny pMCI kql krf ky sLohrq imlxI neIN, rMg ibrMgIaF KMBIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
eynI bfrsL ivc cuwlHf ikwQy bflLygF.
suwkIaF CmkF BMnIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
ikwQoN luwtIaF eIN vMn suvMnIaF eynIaF suMdr, guwzIaF tFgI tMgIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
iks pfpI ny kihr kmfieaf ikwdF mrIaF, iqqlIaF rMg brMgIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
ieko rMg dIaF pwgF, ieko rMg dIaF cuMnIaF, iks lwlfrI ny rMgIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
iks dy nfl mulfkfqF, iks dI glvKVI ivwc, ‘bflm’ rfqF lMmIaF lY ky ikWQy cwilaf eyN?
ikhVI ikhVI krF isPq ielfhI dI?
bfbU rjb alI (sfho ky) rfhIN suqMqr isMG iswDU, sfho ky
mYN Aus isrjxhfr dI, kudrq qoN kurbfn
hvf ivc Gilafr qf, ibn QMmIeyN asmfn (mnohr BvfnI CMd)
ijhVf dunIaF df vflI, lf ky sohxf bfg mflI
ikqy dyvy nf idKflI, myry jy byhosL nUM sO sO vfrI inAuN ky pRnfm Es nUM
hyTF QMmH nf Kilaf ky, kI afkfsL nUM shfry?
vyK ky hYrfn sI, kudrq mfhI dI
ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
cMd sUrj icrfg, lfieaf qfiraF ny bfg
Kf jfey cwkr idmfg, kI akl vrqI?
iks ibD pfxI qy itkfeI DrqI?
loa grm, vgy Tyr, ikqy cVH afAuNdf nHyr ijs vyly ho jy myhr, swcI pfqsLfhI dI
ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
ikqy JfV nfl JfV, ikqy jMgl phfV ikqy DrqI nUM pfV ky vgfeIaF ndIaF vgdIaF nUM cwlIaF gujLr sdIaF
hry ruwK, Puwl, bUr, myvy nfl BrpUr
CfvyN bih ky ho jy dUr, qklIP rfhI dI
ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
prvfh kI qyry Gr, jLrI, pwt dI nf sr sonf cFdI idwqy kr, qUM imwtI ‘coN pYdf hY
hIry moqIaF dI Btk qF alYhdf hY
bflUsLfhI qy bdfxy, pyVy irEVIaF mKfxy
bMidaf lY lf mnBfxy, ijhVI cIjL cfhIdI ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
iensfn byXkInf, ikqy itky nf tkInf lfeIaF pytF ‘c msLInF, bxy duwD rwq df kOx aMdfjLf lfvy qyrI mwq df?
ikhu ijhy jy srIr, ikqy sohxI ikqy hIr qyry jYsI qsvIr nf iksy qoN lfhI dI ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
jwg rMglf bxf qf, jo sLYa mMgy rUh rjf qf qUM hYN dfiqaF df dfqf, dy ky pCqfAuNdf nI qyrI imhrbfnI df aMq afAuNdf nI.
mF qy bfp, puwq-DI dI, cog muwk jFdI jIhdI PVI jFdy dI nf dIhdI, sLkl ispfhI dI, ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
lY ky afvy jf mnosL, qy itkfxy afvy hosL ho jy cfry pfsy rosLnI aMDyrf cwk dy KuwlH jfx dovyN nyqr ptwk dy
koeI lgdf nf pqf, cMgf dws vjf kqf
‘rjb alI KF’ dI KLqf, bKsL gunfhI dI
ikhVI ikhVI isPq krF ielfhI dI?
blUbyrI pRosYisMg plFt ivcw skyl kMipAUtr Eprytr dI loV hY.
qjUrbf:
• 2-3 sfl df qjUrbf hoxf cfhIdf hY. kuaflIiPkysLn:
• sYlP stfrtr, tIm plyar, aqy rcnfqmk soc vflf hovy.
• aMgryjLI aqy pMjfbI bol aqy ilK skdf hovy.
myK: rfj drvfr qoN zr, Dn hfnI, krjf isr cVHy, apmfn df zr, sMqfn suK, Xfqrf qoN cot df Kqrf, dsMbr 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, jnvrI 7, 8 asLuB.
ibRK: vfXU rog, acfnk ksLt, afriQk sMkt, afpixaF nfl JgVf, iesqrI ksLt, imwqr imlfp, dsMbr 22, 23, 30, jnvrI 1, 9, 10, 11 asLuB.
imQun: imwqr bMDU suK, ishq TIk, iesqrI qy sMqfn qoN ksLt, mhIny dy aMq ivwc afmdn qoN vwD Krcf, dsMbr 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, jnvrI 2, 3, 4, 12, 13 asLuB.
krk: vfXU rog, Dn lfB, sMqfn hyqU ivsLysL Krc iesqrI suK, kMm bdlI qoN lfB. dsMbr 17, 18, 26, 27, jnvrI 5, 6, 14, 15 asLuB.
isMG: ishq TIk, imwqr bMDU ksLt, iesqrI suK, kfrobfr TIk, kfrobfr TIk,
jLmIn-jfiedfd qoN lfB. dsMbr 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, jnvrI 7, 8 asLuB.
kMinaf: KUn dI KrfbI, BfeI BYxF jF bMDUaF nfl JgVf, iesqrI pwK sLuB, kfrobfr
ivwc qrwkI. dsMbr 22, 23, 30, jnvrI 1, 9, 10, 11 asLuB.
qulf: swt df zr, BfeI jF bMDUaF qoN sihXog, sMqfn qy iesqrI pwK sLuB, kfrobfr
ivwc qrwkI, dsMbr 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, jnvrI 2, 3, 4, 12, 13 asLuB.
ibRsick: srIr ksLt nyqr qy swt df zr, bMDU suK, Dn lfB hovy, mhIny dy aMq ivwc ivsLysL Krc hovy. dsMbr 17, 18, 26, 27, jnvrI 5, 6, 14, 15 asLuB.
Dn: ishq TIk, Dn lfB ho ky vI PjUlKrcI, BrfvF qy imwqrF df sihXog, iesqrI pwKoN icMqf, sQfn bdlI qy kMm bdlI df ivcfr. dsMbr 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, aqy jnvrI I 7, 8 asLuB.
mkr: ishq ivwc gVbV, Dn lfB ho ky PjUl Krc, imwqr bMDU suK, Xfqrf ivwc swt df Kqrf, dsMbr 22, 23, 30, jnvrI 1, 9, 10, 11 asLuB.
kuMB: pyt dI KrfbI, gupq sLwqrU qoN zr, iesqrI pwK qoN lfB, kfrobfr ivwc rukfvt, kMm bdlI df ivcfr. dsMbr 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, jnvrI 2, 3, 4, 12, 13 asLuB.
mIn: ishq ivwc KrfbI, lfB ho ky vI Dn dI hfnI, afpxy lokF nfl JgVf, iesqrI pwK dI icMqf, kfrobfr ivwc gVbVI, mfnisk pRysLfnI hovygI. dsMbr 17, 18, 26, 27, jnvrI 5, 6, 14, 15 asLuB.
Any hectic activity that has just started to You are in a good position to make some final decisions on something you may have first considered late July to mid August. The position of somebody else may be clearer now, particularly if they decide to bring something to an end. If this does happen it can make it easier in some way when it comes to normal routines in life.
Someone else can be very straightforward as to what they either like or expect from you. Be careful you don’t read into this more than is being offered, particularly if there is an expectation for you to take on responsibilities or to put things in place. Make decisions up to late September that will keep you in control of your finances.
Whatever you had to rethink when it comes to putting things in place since mid August will now allow you to be clear of mind to late September when it comes to something that might have been first discussed late July to mid August. You can now make decisions that please you. Don’t be tempted to spend too much though.
You are in an excellent position to be able to make decisions to late September that will take your life forward. You can feel as though you have greater personal choice or some control at last. There might be a second stage to this from January to April next year and for this reason it could be wise to ensure there is some flexibility.
Whatever financial decisions you may have first considered from late July to mid August can now be looked at more thoroughly, especially in relation to the best actions to take to be able to move forward. You need to be able to satisfy your own priorities, which may not necessarily fit in with the expectations of somebody else.
You are in a good position to come to realisations regarding any situations where you might feel as though you are taking on more than is reasonable on a regular basis. This is more about making decisions to bring matters to an end where commitments attached will have an inhibiting effect on possible future accomplishments.
Focus on anything you are determined to develop more for your own independence in the future. You can realise that contemplation alone will not move things forward. From now to early September you need to look at the commitments that would need to be taken on. Doing this in stages will help you to get used to the changes.
You could come to the realisation, from now to late September, that it is better to scale down ideas you might have had late July to mid August to be able to take these things into the future successfully. Others might have bigger ambitions but you can be happier with small steps, allowing you to have a feeling of better control.
Having absolute confidence about how you stand on any matter will engender respect from others, even though they may not fully agree with you. This could result in clarity when it comes to commitment and support, which may have been an issue from late July to mid August and was left hanging. Be mindful of the obligations you take on.
Something you thought had become evident since mid August where someone else’s decision making is concerned could again become more unknown to late September. It could be that they need to withdraw to make final decisions. These could involve taking your priorities into account as well as generating some sort of pleasure in life.
You are in a position to late September to contemplate future plans and possibilities that you may have wanted from late July to mid August but could not finalise. You have the opportunity to engage with others and get a response. This could also have a lot to do with leaving the past behind up to 20th November so you can move on with a new life direction.
Something that wasn’t made perfectly clear or finalised by somebody else between late July and mid August can now return to late September where final decisions need to be made by them. It can be up to you to ensure they do not avoid responsibilities that could leave you with too much to get properly organised or put into place.
With early sunsets and little sunlight even during peak daytime hours, it can be easy for anyone to feel down during the wintertime. Here are some tips to help you fight the winter blues: Spend time outside. Daylight can help brighten your mood and ward off the winter blues as soon as you wake up, open your curtains and sit near a window. On your lunch break, bundle up and get a walk in or sit on a park bench to soak up some rays. You can also supplement natural light with a light therapy lamp at home.
Schedule exercise. When it’s cold and snowy, being a couch potato is pretty appealing. But your brain loves exercise and actually releases feel-
good endorphins whenever you work out. You can find free workout videos online, join an indoor soccer league or use the buddy system at the gym to get your body moving.
Plan for some fun. Socializing and having something to look forward to are both important. Make sure you’re making time to meet up with friends, even if it’s just for a coffee date or pizza and a movie at home. You can also start planning things to look forward to, even if some of them are months away—the idea of something exciting and new will lift your spirits.
Get enough nutrients. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is key for your well-being throughout the
year. During the winter, soups and stews packed with veggies and lean protein are easy, onepot meals that make for great leftovers.
Speak to someone. If you’re feeling down, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse before talking to a healthcare provider who can offer strategies to feel better. If you’re frustrated by a long waitlist for a mental health practitioner or would rather see someone from the comfort of your
or physician quickly and remotely.
As we move into winter, we won’t just experience snow, ice and cold temperatures. We also have to deal with drier winter air, which can negatively impact our skin. Dr. Joseph Lam shares three ways to protect your skin this season. Don’t pack away the sunscreen
While we tend to think of sunscreen as an essential item for the hot sunny days of summer, it’s also important to protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage during time spent outside in winter. “Winter sun is still strong enough to burn your skin,” says Dr. Lam. “If you’re planning an outdoor
adventure, be sure sunscreen is on your packing list.”
Increase the moisturizer
“For most people, regularly applying a moisturizer will help prevent the dry, itchy skin that comes with the cold weather and indoor heating. But if you have a skin condition, such as eczema, you might need to use your moisturizer more often,” says Dr. Lam. He also shares some practical advice, “Before applying any new skincare product, test the product in one small area of your skin before applying to larger areas of the skin.”
Remember to dress for the weather and protect your skin. Dr. Lam shares, “Cold winter temperatures, especially in parts of Canada with frigid winters, can seriously damage the skin, such as from frostbite. Covering your head and hands and wearing appropriate footwear can be more comfortable and protect Canadians of all ages from the harsh climate.”
While hurricanes are usually only a concern for Atlantic Canada, this summer, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl dropped heavy rain on parts of Ontario and Quebec. Hurricanes aside, climate change is increasing the intensity of severe storms across the country year-round. Here are four ways to protect your home from extreme weather.
Clean up the yard
Trim back any smaller tree branches that are close to the building. If you have any large trees on your property, you should
hire an arborist to inspect and prune any branches that could come down in a storm.
Before a storm arrives, store away patio furniture and other outdoor items that could be blown around and become potentially damaging projectiles.
Prep your doors and windows
If you have enough time, install storm shutters over your doors and windows. You can also attach sheets of plywood over them if you don’t have dedicated storm shutters. Remember that sturdier doors will do a better job of withstanding force-
ful rain and wind, so consider upgrading your front and garage doors for enhanced protection.
Become power wise
If the power is knocked out, there can be a surge when it comes back on. At the very least, sensitive electronics like computers and televisions should be plugged into surge protectors. However, household appliances, including your stove and fridge, can also be damaged by surges. Consider installing a whole-home surge protector to prevent damage to all of your electronics.
Another consideration is to install an exterior backup generator to power your home if hydro lines are downed and you’re without power for an extended period.
Review your insurance policy
Climate change means some regions that didn’t used to be vulnerable to extreme weather now are, so it’s a smart idea to check your home insurance to make sure your coverage meets your current needs. For example, storm and flood damage aren’t always part of standard policies, and you may want to add on a supplemental package to be safe.
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Cabinet ministers are being directed to focus on growing B.C.’s economy and protecting vital public services in the face of unprecedented threats from beyond Canada’s borders, including United States president-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.
“No matter what the world throws at us, British Columbia has everything we need to succeed – abundant natural resources, access to markets and most importantly the people who call this place home,” said Premier David Eby. “In times of instability, we are strongest when we work together to build on these unique advantages. Our team will prioritize growing the economy and building the wealth needed to support strong public services working families rely on.”
The mandate letters to cabinet ministers lay out the government’s highlevel commitments and broad policy direction. All ministers are asked to listen and learn from British Columbians of all perspectives and backgrounds. They are also directed to review all existing programs to ensure they remain relevant and efficient, protect front-line services, grow the economy and keep costs low for British Columbians.
Economic and natural-resource ministers will work with industry, First Nations and communities to dramatically accelerate permit approvals for major job and revenue-creating projects, while maintaining the world-leading environmental and labour standards B.C. is known for. The mandate letters recognize economic growth and
responsible fiscal management as necessary conditions for protecting and strengthening public services.
“Governments around the world are navigating a challenging fiscal environment, as we’re seeing slower global economic growth and threats from south of the border,” Premier Eby said. “A strong fiscal foundation is essential to helping people build a good life here. By making the best use of public dollars, we can protect services and tackle the challenges people worry about around the kitchen table – from delivering homes people can afford to hiring family doctors.”
Every one of Premier Eby’s mandate letters to cabinet contains these core priorities:
growing the economy to create good jobs with higher paycheques and the wealth needed to support strong public services, such as health care and education;
strengthening health care by hiring more front-line doctors and nurses, while building hospital projects throughout the province;
helping families with costs, such as delivering homes for the middle class and keeping the cost of child care, hydro and car insurance low; and
making communities safer by working with law enforcement and social agencies to fight street disorder, repeat offenders and gangs.