02 | SOUTH ASIAN GENERATION NEXT | 11-11-2010
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03 | SOUTH ASIAN GENERATION NEXT | 11-11-2010
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NOV 11TH: A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE very year on November 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. We honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace.
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Why Remember? We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a
collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.1
Whom Do Remember
country's needs. On November 11, we pause for two minutes of silent
World War a French woman, Madame E. GuĂŠrin, suggested to
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As the artillerymen swung three abreast down Main Street, traffic stopped and people watched from the sidewalks. Some stood in silence. A few wept. Some cheered a bit or called out to soldiers they knew - to an officer who had for years devoted his spare time to the militia battery, to a genial giant from the slums, to a farmboy from Taylor Village, to a man with a police record, to a teenager leaving the prettiest girl in town.
How Do Remember?
cially, but also throughout the year, we have the opportunity to remember
A woman places a poppy at a makeshift memorial to Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa, (Tom Hanson/The Canadian Press)
We the efforts of these special tribute, and we attend com- British Field-Marshall Earl
On November 11, espe-
Canadians. In remembering, we pay homage to those who respond to their
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memorative ceremonies in memory of our war dead. Following the First
Haig that women and children in devastated areas of France could produce pop-
pies for sale to support wounded Veterans. The first of these poppies were distributed in Canada in November of 1921, and the tradition has continued ever since, both here and in many parts of the world. Poppies are worn as the symbol of remembrance, a reminder of the blood-red flower that still grows on the former battlefields of France and Belgium. During the terrible bloodshed of the second Battle of Ypres in the spring of 1915, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, wrote of these flowers which lived on among the graves of dead soldiers: In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
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MEDIA'S RESPONSIBILITY uring the course of my work with Generation Next, I have met politicians from all different levels of the government; I have interacted with members of Police, RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces, Homeland Security, the FBI and I have communicated with various school boards, hospital boards, university boards and a number of different organizations. These interactions have made me realize two things over and over again. One, our institutions need our media's help to get their message out to our community. More so to the South Asian community than any other community given our entrepreneurial skills and economic success and large numbers in the Greater Toronto Area (South Asians will be the largest visible minority in the GTA by 2031 according to Stats Canada). Institutions mandated to protect us are frustrated with lack of our participation in multicultural events. Their members have gone to the media seeking our help to encourage our community's participation in the society so that we truly become part of the Canadian fabric, but our media's role has been sluggish. One communication advisor at Ontario legislature was pulling my leg to say 'our desi media doesn't even read the full content of the emails sent to them.' 'If I insist that they [media] should be present at the event, then
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Contributors: Kuldip Nayar Dr. Hasan Askari Suresh Madan Natascha Trivedi Anurag Gupta Yesha Shah Dr. Hassan Abbas Dr. Farooq Hasnat Sona Dhawan Waris Hussain Asma Amanat Rahul Mehta Rupinder Kaur Harminder Kaur Saniya Zahid Anuj Sharma Qasim A. Nihang Billal M. Sarwar Kartiga Thavraj Myuri Komagiri Sarah Zahid Mewren D. Martins Paul Bhasin Sana Hashmi Ramya Bajaj Poonam Patel Ali Abbas Namrita Khatri Bilal Rajan Nida Shamsi Sanchari Sur
Tani Ravi Zareen Muzzaffar Fatima Kazmi Zarish Ahmed Daanish Maan Tania Jaura Ruby Latif Kiran Takrani Nabeel Ahmed Iqra Azhar Tehreem Rehman Vijay Mehta Aunt Sassy Jacaquline Chatterpaul Ravinder Virk. Special Thanks to our Elected Representatives: MP Deepak Obhrai MP Micheal Ignatieff MP Rob Oliphant MP Jack Layton
Minister Kathleen Wynne Minister Deb Matthews Minister Harinder Takhar Minister Micheal Chan Councillor Carolyn Parrish Publisher Afaq Farooqi
you guys come but the event is over by the time you come,' she added. This is the impression of South Asian media at the governmental level. We all agree that the South Asian community is educated enough to appreciate good journalism and can move beyond 'regurgitating' the press releases, yet only a handful of South Asian papers that produce original content are considered to be black sheep of the media family. Another media professional says that the 'gora' media thinks that all South Asian media is out there only to make money. 'You'll [South Asians] get into anything that makes a buck, compromising professional standards,' he repeated, citing a media executive from CBC radio. I am not certain if the South Asian media is mirroring the community or should this media have more proactive role in community service rather than just making money. Or it is the fact that the role of media even in South Asian has evolved in last decade or so, and we, as a group, are not used to questioning the decisions and judgments of the governments or individuals of social and cultural organizations. Perhaps that is why everyone gets all worked up when there is a story of disputes in our places of worship or within our social, cultural and professional organizations. Most professional of our organizations
Politics
Culture & Society Society
Nation Nov11: Remembrance Day
Canadian Politics Intl. students good for economy - Minister Gary Goodyear By Asma Amanat Where's the Love - marriage By Rupinder Kaur Do you want controlled or collaborative government? Tony Genco, Liberal candidate for Vaughn By Staff Writer
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CCD: Teaching Youth to challenge Stereotypes and Assumptions By Staff Writer
Who are Suicide Bombers? Dr. Hassan Askari
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The Deconstruction of Discord By Waris Husain and Amandeep Singh
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When Culture Conflicts‌ Dr. Amitha Mundenchira
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Education
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Interview We give better quality for one-third price Rick Khanna - Founder of Spier &MacKay
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UOIT officially launches CLU
South Asian Politics N-suppliers' liability By Kuldip Nayar
South Asians must participate in multicultural events - Det. Sgt. B.J.Sandhu
"I memorized the spellings" - Shelsha Pandey, Winner of Spelling Bee competition By: Sanchari Sur
South Asian Politics Catholic Crosscultural Services: Going Beyond Referrals and Information Sessions By Gabriella Utreras & Waleed Ahmed
have election disputes and legal matters dragged into the courts. Yet these organizations do not want their general members to know about these disputes. They are democratic but they do not value differences in opinion. And they definitely despise media reporting on those issues. Two, we believe that responsibility in a responsible society has to be afforded by all. When the government will give its business to any media without assessing its work as a media and only because it has been recommended to them by a 'friend,' then the media does not need to be concerned about quality of work, it only has to worry about finding the right 'friend' at the right place. When corporate companies are content with 'regurgitation' of media releases, and the editorial content is of 'secondary importance' only, then, the South Asian media is on the right track of making money and not caring if our institutions need our help. Members of our institutions are desperate to engage us at the highest levels, but, as a media, we are not willing to play our part to give our community and Generation Next a chance. If we do not start caring now, there will be no results for us tomorrow and we will continue to ask ourselves why there are only four South Asians at municipal level in South Asian population of 2.7 million in GTA.
My aspiration is simple: to wear a white coat and be a doctor - Neer Sirohi
Culture SMS, Will You Marry Me? By Poonam Patel Diwali at Queens Park Horoscope Showbiz
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Contact Us:To write to editors, please email us at info@sagennext.com. For advertising related inquiries, please write to us at marketing@sagennext.com Address: 776 Dundas St. East, Suite 203, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B6 Ph: 905-279-5600 | Fax: 905-270-0046 Website: www.sagennext.com South Asian Generation Next is a weekly magazine published by South Asian Generation Next Inc. Generation Next provides information on wide range of subjects and issues in good faith and broader interests of the community. The content of Generation Next may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in Generation Next are not necessarily shared by the publisher. Generation Next does not endorse views or opinions of its writers, but gives opportunity to its readers to express themselves through opinion pieces and emails and letters to the editors at info@sagenenxt.com.
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Peel Police Diversity Cup 2010:
SOUTH ASIANS MUST PARTICIPATE IN MULTICULTURAL EVENTS - DET. SGT. B.J.SANDHU
Photo by: Chris Linton eel Regional Police Diversity Cup 2010 was held on Nov 6th and 7th at University of Toronto, Mississauga campus. The event was held for the first time in 2007. Explaining the reason of why this tournament is being held for last four years, Detective Sergeant B.J. Sandhu said "Diversity Relations Unit [of Peel Police] is mandated to build bridge between Peel Regional Police and diverse communities of Peel region. So from time to time we organize events to bring Peel Police and various communities together." Basketball was chosen as a sport for Diversity Cup because "basketball
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These women's teams have been introduced for the first time in 2010. The tournament is open for people of 18 +. In ten men's team, there
and the TV [to talk about this event]. Here [Diversity Cup] you could see different ethnic groups participating all together. I don't want the community
Rasbir Sekhon, Amandeep Sidhu & Manpreet Sodhi, volunteers at Diversity Cup 2010
enough of the South Asian community participated in 'race against racism' event," said Det. Sgt Sandhu reflecting on lack of South Asian community's participation in Diversity Cup tournament as well as at Race Against Racism event held in summer. Mr. Sandhu reminds the community leaders to play their part in
CRIME PREVENTION WEEK: CONNECTING TO KIDS TODAY…PREVENTING CRIME TOMORROW he Toronto Police Service will soon be utilizing a variety of new resources to fight unlawful activity. As part of Crime Prevention week, Ontario will support the Toronto Police Service by providing: - A new interview room to give victims and witnesses greater privacy
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Det.Sgt. B.J.Sandhu with Cos. Amar Sohi at Peel Police Diversity Cup 2010 is a very popular game. Youth enjoys it," says Mr. Sandhu. This year there were 14 teams that participated in Diversity Cup 2010. Of these fourteen teams, four teams were women's.
were hardly ten South Asians and women's team had no South Asian representation. "There are not a lot of south Asians [in the tournament] is my regret as well. I went on the radio
to get my message wrong. South Asians are very very productive citizens and participate in a number of activities within the South Asian community. But we don't see them here. Unfortunately, not
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enhancing South Asian community's participation in multicultural events like Diversity Cup 2010 "because it's not lack of effort from our part." The volunteers responsible for food at the tournament were three South Asians. Manpreet Sodhi, Amandeep Sidhu and Rasbir Sekhon were
volunteers with Peel Police. Commenting on lack of South Asian participation, Manpreet, a truck driver by profession, said "South Asians are not really into basketball that much. They are more into cricket and athletics." Another reason for lack of South Asian participation given by Amandeep was "they're too busy making money," and parents should also be "blamed" because they do not encourage youth to participate in events like Diversity Cup enough.
- Educational materials to help prevent child exploitation and victimization - Innovative, state-of-theart 3D laser scanning equipment to improve crime scene mapping, and - New surveillance and camera equipment to identify fugitives and enhance organized crime investiga-
tions. For the additional support from the Ontario government Toronto Police Service Chair Chief William Blair said "The Toronto Police Service is pleased the Civil Remedies Act is providing support to victims and to police services. These grants will significantly contribute to the way we do business and, more importantly, enhance the way we respond to victims of unlawful activity." In Region of Peel, Peel Police's this year's theme is youth: Connecting to Kids Today…Preventing Crime Tomorrow. In partnership with Safe City Mississauga and the Brampton Safe City Association, Peel Regional Police helps deliver several programs in Peel schools, that focus on youth safety.
The youth outreach programs are "Crossroads", in Mississauga high schools, and "Yes" (Youth Education & Safety) in Brampton high schools. Crime Prevention Week will also feature the promotion of drug awareness and violence prevention in schools through the distribution and posting of posters throughout our area high schools. Crime Prevention Week will also focus on securing our mobile personal devices; i.e. cell phones, mp3 players, portable gaming systems, etc. Many young people today, including children in elementary schools, are carrying a variety of mobile electronic devices which, in some cases, makes them a target for robberies and theft. www.sagennext.com
BY STAFF WRITER a r p e r Conservatives have forgotten why the government exists, said Mr. Tony Genco, the Liberal candidate for Vaughn while speaking to Generation Next. "Harper Conservatives are giving tax cuts to big corporations..they have forgotten people need support." Referring to proposed cuts by the federal government for settlement agencies, Mr. Genco said "Conservative government has done disservice to new Canadians..by making immigration harder..they have cut $750 million from Liberals' program." In response to the question that the Conservative government has quadrupled the funding to new Canadians, Mr. Genco said that " the Conservatives are hampering new Canadians' arrival to Canada by limiting the categories..Conservatives have nothing to be proud of and they have nothing to teach to Liberals when it comes to taking care of multicultural communities of Canada." "Liberals have proven track record of balancing the books. We are sound
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DO YOU WANT CONTROLLED OR COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT? THE CHOICE IS CLEAR FOR VAUGHN. -TONY GENCO, LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR VAUGHN fiscal managers. We got rid of $63 billion deficit and in just four years, Conservatives have brought us under $56 billion budget. Liberals will create economic environment..where strategic investments will be made to create jobs," Mr. Genco told Generation Next on a question about economy and a high unemployment rate in the GTA. Instead of investing in learning and innovation to help create jobs for Canadian families, the Conservatives' priority is adding to their record $56billion deficit with another $6 billion in tax breaks for large corporations. "Stephen Harper doesn't understand the importance of investing in the knowledge-based economy," Mr. Ignatieff said. "The Harper Conservatives' cuts to science, research and higher learning have harmed Canadian opportunities to create the highest-quality jobs of tomorrow." "When it comes to pay-
ing for higher education, Liberals believe that if you get the grades, you get to go - regardless of your income," said Mr. Genco. "I also want to make sure that everyone in Vaughan can access the best programs at colleges, universities and training centres like the Carpenters Union Training Centre." "The Liberals have a strong record of investing in the priorities of Vaughan families - including learning - while the Conservatives are more focused on fighter jets and helping large corporations," concluded Mr. Genco. "The choice for Vaughan is clear. Let's send Stephen Harper a message he can't ignore by electing a Liberal in Vaughan." "The Conservatives can find $16 billion for new fighter jets, but they turned their backs on Vaughan seniors," added Mr. Genco. "Instead of giving away $6 billion every year in
DIWALI: HOPE TOMORROW CAN BRING
more tax breaks for Canada's most profitable corporations, like the Conservatives want to do, the Liberal Party wants to use some of that funding to support Canada's pensioners and caregivers," concluded Genco. Vaughn is home to some very big developers. "Conservatives have obviously made them very good," said Mr. Genco. The difference between Liberals and Conservatives, Mr. Genco told Generation Next is "Conservatives are in for commanding, controlled government while Liberals are for working together in collaboration. Liberals are in the government to make everyone a winner, and Conservatives only make some people winner." "By electing Tony Genco, Vaughan's families will have a new voice who will fight for the very best learning and job opportunities for their children and grandchildren," said Mr. Ignatieff, the leader of Liberal Party. The by-election in Vaughn is set for November 29th. A seat was left open when Liberal MP Maurizio Bevilacqua decided to resign and run for Vaughn's mayor.
LIBERAL LEADER IGNATIEFF IN THE GTA
- MP BONNIE CROMBIE (MISSISSAUGA-STREETSVILLE)
n Canada, we are lucky to have such a vibrant and thriving South Asian community. The beauty of many cultures living together is that we get to share in the very best of each other's traditions from the delicious food to the holidays that are most special to us. Diwali, the celebration of the New Year and the Festival of Lights, is one that I am particularly excited to share in celebrating. As the Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, home to one of the largest South Asian populations in Canada, I consider myself very lucky to celebrate this holiday with you. Any opportunity to celebrate life, love, hope, enlightenment and peace - things that I thrive to live my life according to - is a welcome opportunity. The start of every New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the year that has
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Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff with Tony Genco, Liberal candidate from Vaughn and MP Justin Trudeau
passed, as well as to look ahead to the year that is just beginning. Given the uncertain economic times we live in, it is sometimes difficult to see the light. The celebrations of Diwali, with the traditions of light-
ing 'diyas' and lanterns, is here to remind us of the hope that tomorrow can bring. From my family to yours, Happy Diwali - I wish you much peace and prosperity for the New Year!
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Mr. Ignatieff, Liberal MPs of the GTA campaigning with Tony Genco www.sagennext.com
CATHOLIC CROSSCULTURAL SERVICES: GOING BEYOND REFERRALS AND INFORMATION SESSIONS
Waleed Ahmed t's not every day that you get the chance to change a life for the better. However, at Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS), it's looked down upon. Of course, changing a life is good, but changing two is better, and changing more is even
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day-to-day basis. Born as the Catholic Immigration Bureau, its steady evolution reflects the influx of newcomers to the GTA, and the cultural enrichment they bring along. As a result, today we serve immigrants, refugees, and other nonstatus newcomers to Canada regardless of race, age, religion or political affiliation. Moreover, we are glad to provide our services in over 30 languages, ranging from
"In three short months, I had the confidence to speak with people. I was able to search for a job, and present my skills in a job interview, all thanks to the support and advice of my teacher and friends there" -Anisley, an immigrant from Cuba more so. In fact, CCS has had the privilege to change numerous lives for over fifty years. Our non-profit settlement agency helps newcomers acclimatise to their adopted country on a
Cantonese to Urdu and from Swahili to Tigrigna. The many people CCS serves is a testament to the amount and quality of services that it offers. One of the most common barriers
to success and integration in Canada is acquiring proficiency in English. To help newcomers deal with this problem, CCS offers free
ment with classes, trips, and presentations that help us to gain practical knowledge about living
Manju Kappa and his wife English classes that include conversational classes, computer-assisted learning, and free childminding through our LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program. However, Anisley, one of the many people who has benefited from this program, believes that CCS is not just a settlement agency with English classes. "I realized that CCS is more than that. Every single day is an excite-
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in Canada" Originally from Cuba, Anisley came with limited knowledge of English, but "in three short months, I had the confidence to speak with people. I was able to search for a job, and present my skills in a job interview, all thanks to the support and advice of my teacher and friends there." Another hurdle that newcomers often face is obtaining employment, as Anisley pointed out. Luckily, CCS offers free Job Search Workshops (JSW) that help newcomers prepare professional, marketable resumes. These interactive sessions allow newcomers to assess their employability skills, get information on accreditation, and access the hidden job market. However, that's only the beginning, because CCS also provides one-to-one support for clients, where they receive job search coaching, and referrals to other appropriate programs and services. Our settlement team provides many of these other services, and our counsellors often go beyond providing the basic referrals and information sessions on housing, health care, social assistance etc. They are committed to guiding the dynamic individuals that step into our office everyday. "CCS has a very good reputation because we respect people. It doesn't matter what country they come from or what religion they follow, we listen to them and try to help them in every aspect of their lives. We don't just let them go and say 'that's it'. We look at people's needs seriously because settlement is a serious thing: food, housing, employment‌reassur-
ance and hope" - Nayana Mistry, Settlement Counsellor Manju Kuppa came from Mysore, India, in 2000 as a civil engineer with knowledge of construction work and software consulting. He was introduced to Nayana Mistry, one of our settlement counsellors, through his wife. Nayana promptly began helping him tailor his resume for the Canadian job market. After a difficult period of doubt and discouragement where he faced the common barriers to foreign
Gabriella Utreras difficult and stressful. The situations that can present themselves as a result of this distress can often be very difficult to talk about. Through the support services we provide to women (under the Violence Against Women program), our counsellors ensure that the voice of every woman is heard, and that the situations are dealt with tactful-
After a difficult period of doubt and discouragement where Manju Kuppa faced the common barriers to foreign professionals such as 'qualification not valid', 'experience not recognized' he then thought about becoming self-employed. professionals such as 'qualification not valid', 'experi-
ly and reasonably. Whether
you
need
Anisley, an immigrant from Cuba ence not recognized' he then thought about becoming self-employed. Nayana again helped him rebuild his confidence to the point that today he is a successful real estate broker that builds and sells custom luxury homes. "CCS and its counsellors were always giving us the confidence and patience to do well." Moreover, we can proudly say that Manju is now using his breadth of experience to help other newcomers integrate into Canadian society. In fact, he recently facilitated a CCS workshop for first time home buyers. Yet, despite the best efforts of our counsellors, sometimes the immigration process can still be very
English classes, job search skills, information on housing, education or training, reassurance, or all of the above, CCS is committed to helping newcomers like yourself adapt to Canada, and then to flourish. Catholic Crosscultural Services has three office locations: Mississauga: 3660 Hurontario Street, 7th floor, (905) 273-4140 Brampton: 8 Nelson Street West, suite 302 (905) 457-7740 Scarborough: 55 Town Centre Court, suite 401 (416) 757-701 www.sagennext.com
WHERE'S THE LOVE - MARRIAGE FRAUD IS A CRIME? RUPINDER KAUR is Press Secretary for Canada's New Democrats
s the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration wrapped up his consultations and town hall meetings on marriage fraud, I hope he brought along a note book instead of just Kleenex. I hope he took careful note of the sad and tragic stories of duped spouses, hurt families and heart break from those carrying grief, anger and the stigma of being a victim of marriage fraud.? Those who shared their stories displayed true courage - yet Jason Kenney has shown cowardice for not acting sooner.? Since 2007, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has been requesting an investigation into the high number of fraud cases based on marriages of convenience. That's why I applaud those individuals who have come forward
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with their stories of victimization, abandonment and loss at the hands of swindlers chasing an easy ticket into Canada.? Imagine going abroad and falling in love. Imagine the romance and desire to spend the rest of your life with that special someone. Imagine a lavish wedding then coming back to Canada and preparing for your spouse to join you to start a new life together.? Now imagine your spouse arrives and within days "disappears". Unfortunately, this is a reality to thousands of Canadians, regardless of country-of-origin, religion and gender.? Marriage is one of the quickest and easiest ways for people to obtain Canadian citizenship, not requiring specific skills or qualifications, as is required for normal immigration into the country. This fraud leads to victimization, a burden on the sponsoring spouse, who is left abandoned, duped and cheated.? Under the current law, Canadians must support a
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MARRIAGE FRAUD
foreign spouse for three years, regardless of whether they separate or stay together. It used to be 10 years until the new Immigration Act was introduced in 2002 under the
The one piece of advice I offer the Conservatives as they contemplate how to fix the immigration system: marriage is a relationship between two spouses - not an immigration deal.?
Ashpreet Badwal, 35, met Manjit Shahi online in 2006 and went to India in 2007 to get married. After spending almost $12,000 fighting to get her sponsorship application approved, she was devastated to learn he had given her the slip on his arrival at Pearson Airport.
DRIVING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENCE COULD COST YOU YOUR VEHICLE
c G u i n t y Government Protecting Ontario Families Starting December 1st, police will have more tools to get suspended and impaired drivers off our roads. This change will also mean added enforcement against people who have had their driver's licences suspended for consistently not paying family support. "Drivers who continue to get behind the wheel and put others at risk when their licence is suspended are unacceptable. To keep our roads safe, police have been given the tools to get these drivers off our roads," said Ontario Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne. "This new law will help save lives because it will provide police with the necessary tools to seize vehicles from drivers who, through irresponsible driving behaviour, put the motoring public and their
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he Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, said: "I am pleased with recent investigation and enforcement action that clearly shows this government's crackdown on marriage fraud is beginning to produce results. "In particular, an Edmonton woman was just charged in British Columbia related to a marriage of convenience scheme. She is alleged to have married two men and attempted to sponsor them for permanent resident sta-
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tus while already married to another man. "I raised immigration fraud issues during my recent visit to China, India and the Philippines, the top three sources of immigrants to Canada. There, I discussed opportunities for collaboration in combating immigration fraud, including the use of marriages of convenience to circumvent Canada's immigration laws. "Canada takes a zero tolerance approach to marriage fraud. This arrest is a reminder of how important it is that we continue to protect the integrity of our immigration system."
and more stories about spouses who agree to marriage, and the moment they step foot in Canada and have gotten their passports stamped with their permanent resident mark, they
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families at risk of serious injury and death, " said Chris Lewis, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner. The new 7-day vehicle impoundment will apply to drivers whose licences are suspended for: nDriving while under certain Highway Traffic Act licence suspensions including non-payment of family support nDriving with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 (beyond the legal limit) or for failing/refusing to provide a breath sample nDriving without an ignition interlock device when one is required. These changes are part of the Road Safety Act, 2009 and will make Ontario's roads safer for all drivers. "MADD Canada is pleased to see Ontario introducing new vehicle impoundment measures to deal with drivers who repeatedly disregard the law. Impounding vehicles is an effective option for dealing with those drivers who do not get the message and continue to drive impaired or while suspended" stated Andrew Murie, Chief Executive Officer, MADD Canada.
Liberal government. If the spouse goes on welfare or applies for other social assistance, the sponsoring spouse is responsible for repaying the government.? Once upon a time, marriage fraud was all about men with Canadian citizenship or status, going to their homeland countries to find wives. They would marry them with demands of huge dowries of money, cars and homes. Then, they would return to Canada wealthier and then apply for an immediate divorce or not even bother bringing over their new brides. But today, I'm hearing of more
file for divorce. The sponsoring spouse has little to no ability to chance in getting justice or having their cheating spouse deported back.? The immigration system needs to be fixed now. Marriage fraud is just one aspect of the problem human trafficking, smuggling and embezzlement are other problems that need to be addressed.? The one piece of advice I offer the Conservatives as they contemplate how to fix the immigration system: marriage is a relationship between two spouses not an immigration deal.?
'CONDITIONAL IMMIGRATION' TO PREVENT FRAUDULENT MARRIAGES
Hon. Gurbax Singh Malhi Member of Parliament for Bramalea-Gore-Malton Serving Since 1993
he Honourable Gurbax Singh Malhi, Member of Parliament for BramaleaGore-Malton, renewed his call that the federal government must establish stronger measures to protect Canadians against fraud marriages. Hon. Gurbax Malhi made the following statement in the House of Commons: "Mr. Speaker, this government must establish stronger measures to protect Canadians against people who use fraud marriage as a safe immigration passport to our country. I have repeatedly asked the Minister of Multiculturalism, Citizenship and
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Immigration to take action in cases when fraud was perpetrated against the Canadian immigration system, including the ones affecting many victims in my constituency. To prevent future cases in which marriages with Canadian citizens are entered into for the purposes of obtaining permanent residence status, I call upon this government to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to strengthen the "conditional immigration" marriage-based system. Furthermore, the government should establish a 3 to 5 years probation clause for marriage-based immigrants, including a requirement that couples have been and intend to continue living together in the future. Moreover, this government should restrict the finalization of each citizenship application until the probation is complete without criminal activity or Immigration Act offences. I strongly urge this government to take concrete action to stop fraud marriage and protect its victims." www.sagennext.com
BY: ASMA AMANAT ndia is "very eager" to work with Canada for "mutual benefits" of both the countries says Mr. Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). Some of the sectors where Canada and India can work together are agriculture, weather, energy and security. Minister Goodyear was on a trip to India with the presidents of fifteen Canadian universities to lure Indian postdoctoral students to come to Canada for further studies and research. "We're interested in students with post doctoral levels..students who have already made their way through certain commitment to higher level of education..we want them to continue their studies and part or whole of their research in Canada," said Minister Goodyear talking to Generation Next. Canada is in competition to attract Indian post doctoral students with the United States and Australia. Both the US and Australia receive higher number of Indian post graduate students in their countries each year. One problem that Canada needs to address is wait times in approvals of student visas for Indian students.
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INTL. STUDENTS GOOD FOR ECONOMY - MINISTER GARY GOODYEAR Minister Goodyear says that since last year the number of student visas processed in India have been tripled, but that is far from satisfactory given countries like the US and Australia. President Barrack Obama is on a trip to the US. With him are travelling representatives from American universities. Minister of State believes that it's not so much about the competition but about exploring new opportunities in an attempt to work with Indians. Minister Goodyear has been asked questions like what kind of university and college campuses are available in Canada, the equipment in laboratory, the kind of staff working in these facilities, programs offered by universities and colleges by Indian political circles. There are about 77,000 international students that give boost of up to $6.5 billion to Canadian economy in short term through tuition fees, accommodation, hair cuts, transportation, accommodation, food and other day to day expenses. In the long run, Minister Goodyear hopes
that some of the students "will fall in love" with Canada to make Canada their homes. The intention is to bring the innovation
It's no surprise that Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's announcement of 75 new scholarships for postdoctoral international
Minister of State Goodyear met with the Honourable Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, to discuss Canada-India cooperation in science and technology, and collaboration between Canadian and Indian universities from laboratories to marketplace to create jobs for people in the long run. Canadian academic institutions are worried about addressing the increasing demand for postsecondary spaces especially in the Greater Toronto Area. Many students who are new Canadians are already under the burden of debts.
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students to the tune of $20 million over next four years, enraged some here at home. Nonetheless, Mr. McGuinty notes that in next five years Ontario's economy will be dependent on immigrants. Mr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of Sheridan College told Generation Next in an
interview that in Canada we do not have trained labour force to replace baby boomers in next five years. Is the federal government making any strategic decisions to disperse the talent of international students? Minister Goodyear states that the decision of choosing a university rests with students who choose a university based on the program or area of study they are interested in. "Some coordinated effort is made by the government [to bring] researchers from around the world to come and study...[but it depends] on the needs of the students [where they want to study and do research]." The Conservative government has invested more than $11.5 billion is last four years in Science and Technology and Research and Innovation says Minister Goodyear. "Stephen Harper doesn't understand the importance of investing in the knowledge-based economy," Mr. Ignatieff said while campaigning with Mr. Tony Genco, Liberal candidate for Vaughn. "The Harper Conservatives' cuts to sci-
ence, research and higher learning have harmed Canadian opportunities to create the highest-quality jobs of tomorrow." The suggestion that the Conservatives have not invested in Research and Innovation is "completely ridiculous. Whoever made that statement obviously didn't graduate from high school." He charged that "in last recession which was nothing like this one, Liberals cut funding form science and technology and created the brain drain..Liberals can't hide from that. They caused it." While there are 7 other countries in South Asia, the Canadians government's priority is India. "Canada has a special relationship with India..[because of its] Commonwealth status, shared history..[Canada can] learn from India's experience in innovation, and India can learn from Canada in terms of research," Minister Goodyear told Generation Next. He added, though, that fellowships, scholarships and grants offered by the federal government are "to attract and to keep the best and the brightest" from around the world.
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MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES EXPANDED NEWBORN REGISTRATION SERVICE
38-YEAR OLD INDO-AMERICAN NIKKI HALEY: GOVERNOR-ELECT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Tea Party favorite endorsed by Sarah Palin
Minister Takhar along with Debbie Fischer, Senior Vice President, Organizational Development and Performance, Mt. Sinai hospital and two mothers holding their babies! ith just a few Registration Service applica- things easier for them. The clicks, Ontario tion. This online service now expansion of the Newborn parents can now provides a quick, easy, and Registration Service is an apply online for child benefit secure way for parents to regis- important part of our Open programs, including the ter their newborn, apply for a Ontario plan to help make Ontario Child Benefit, when birth certificate, a Social services for families faster, Insurance Number Card and friendlier and easier to access," they register their newborns. told The Honourable In partnership with the Canada Child Benefits. S. Takhar, "Ontarians expect their gov- Harinder Canada Revenue Agency and Minister of Service Canada, the ernment to work with all other Ontario ServiceOntario website has levels of government to deliv- Government Services. To be Continued on pg 23 expanded its Newborn er better services and make
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Nikki is the 2nd Indo American Republican Governor in the United States
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CCD: TEACHING YOUTH TO CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES AND ASSUMPTIONS By: Staff Writer ahir Janmohamed, the new CEO of Canadian Centre for Diversity (CCD) explains that the objectives of CCD are "to promote a society without prejudice and discrimination, a society that respects differences and celebrates diversity and inclusion." Linda McCain, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Centre for Diversity (CCD), announced the appointment of Zahir Janmohamed as the CCD's next Chief Executive Officer, effective December 8, 2010. CCD provides educational programs and seminars to youth - elementary and high school students, college and university students - "not just to conduct and deliver interactive programs but to motivate and inspire the participants to become effective leaders of social change," Mr. Janmohamed said while talking to Generation Next. Questions like 'what the world without stigma look like' are debated in the workshops offered by CCD. "Through that process [of discussion], youths talk about stigma, but they are also encouraged to become leaders and [to understand] the need for support, dialogue and
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cotiabank is honoured to be named the recipient of the 2010 Partners in Diversity Award by the Canadian Centre for Diversity (CCD). The award recognizes Scotiabank's strong and ongoing commitment to the Centre. The Partners in Diversity Award was accepted by Scotiabank's Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Sabi Marwah. He has worked closely with the Centre in championing its goal of promoting inclusivity, respect and understanding amongst Canadians from all backgrounds and communities. "At Scotiabank, diversity has long been a part of who we are," said Mr. Marwah. "To us, diversity is not a project but a value that is built into the fabric of how we work. It's an honour to receive this award from an organization that is so highly dedicated to building a Canadian
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inclusion," Mr. Janmohamed says. The new CEO of CCD describes himself as "while I am a proud Canadian, I am a global citizen." Born and raised in Kenya with roots in Gujrat, India, Mr. Mohamed has worked with CIBC for 10 years. He has worked at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan for 6 years and has retained roles in managements of a number of different prestigious institutions. He serves as a Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of York University and of North York General Hospital for five years to name just two. He has also worked with Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Public Service Commission in roles to promote employment equity. The position as a CEO of CCD, was therefore, "a natural fit" for Mr. Janmohamed. "I feel very passionate about joining an organization grounded with a strong message of hope, and rooted in a vision of a world without prejudice and discrimination," said Janmohamed. "While our society has come a long way, we still have more work to do before the CCD's vision is fully realized." One reason for the existence of discrimination and
Zahir Janmohamed, CEO of CCD prejudice in the society is that there is a combination ignorance. Mr. of factors to why discrimiJanmohamed concedes nation exists.
In CCD's programs, youth are taught to lead, so that they have the opportu-
SCOTIABANK: 2010 PARTNERS IN DIVERSITY AWARDS
Daveena Singh, student of York University is a participant at CCD’s Young Leaders Forum and continues to inspire others to respect difference and celebrate diversity. society without prejudice in support of Canadian Centre for Diversity and discrimination." Over the past nine years, programming. The Bank's Scotiabank has committed support allowed close to approximately $1 million 100,000 students from
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Sabi Marwah, Scotiabank’s Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, receiving the Partners in Diversity Award from Linda McCain, Chair of the Board of Directors of Canadian Centre for Diversity. Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba,
Alberta and British Columbia to experience the
nity to learn conflict resolution, relationship building among other skills. Workshops given by CCD have an intention of challenging youth to understand why it is important for people to understand people of other cultures. "It challenges them to question their [youth'] own assumption and discover about others," Mr. Janmhoamed states. He noted that in a school year, there are three outings to places of worship and cultural centres for students "to learn about history and customs" of diverse communities living in Canada. In today's world of economic downturn and interdependency, education alone is not the key to success. While CCD's mandate is not to prepare youth for workforce, some of the skills taught in the workshop are "extremely helpful in workforce," says the new CEO of CCD. As an organization CCD's programs are very much in demand. "To respond to that growing demand is a challenge for us," notes Mr. Janmohamed. More demand means more funds. "We continually have to focus on fund raising from corporate and individual donors," he says. richness of Canada's ethnic mosaic through organized visits to diverse places of worship and cultural centres. Scotiabank will take on a new role for the next four years as a National Partner of the Peer Leaders Network, a new program that offers high school students training and skill development in the areas of leadership, facilitation and conflict resolution related to diversity in schools and communities. Scotiabank will join the Federal Government of Canada and other corporate partners as principal funders of this new CCD project. "We're very excited to continue our involvement with the Centre by supporting the Peer Leaders Network," added Mr. Marwah. "It's a tremendous opportunity to make the most of our young people's passion and abilities and assist them in their journey toward becoming leaders in a diverse society." www.sagennext.com
n a business trip to China, Rick Khanna made a trip to New Delhi. He stopped there for nine days. In those nine days, he needed some shirts for himself. Rick went to a fabric market in New Delhi where he found fabric and gave that fabric to a tailor to stitch. The next day, he got two stitched shirts back. His reaction was "I was stunned by the quality of fabric and the quality of stitching," Rick says, enthralled by the quality of work produced in India. "Both of those shirts were of superior quality as compared to renowned brand name shirt I had given them," he recalls. The rate was much better and so was the stitching. These tailors in India have at least a century of training. "They have heritage of tailoring..that they learned from British a
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to his garment business was "deliberate." Why? "Because we don't wanna go after only South Asian market or Chinese market, we want to market to everyone who wears shirts," Rick explains. His main clientele though is young professionals between the ages of 24 -
relatively loose shirts. Spier and MacKay offers two lines of shirts; custom made and of the rack ready-made shirts. There are two kinds of shirts for men: formal and casual. Formal shirts are longer so that they can be tucked into pants; and
logistics. "For men we can fit 97 to 98 per cent..for women we need at least one fit to see where the extra fabric is, where the shirt is loose orwhere it's tight and we don't have tailors here,"
help to his business so far. For him, paying an additional
36. This age group is looking for not so conservative
"
"
The Western name given
colours and thus come in hot pink, bright yellow and other such colours. " Yo u n g professionals are not looking for blues and whites and checks only..they still want conservative shirts but they want tightly fitted shirts, to show off bit of their body," says Rick talking about what's in-fashion when it comes to male professional fashion. Older men among his clients ask for comfort and
eral government, it will be "irresponsible for any government" to not do or promote trade with India, China, Brazil and Russia. As far as issues of youth are concerned, Rick feels that "a lot of people my generation people are thinking if we would we have the same opportunities as our parents did 20 years ago." With economic downturn, "it's tough, it's very very tough and very competitive now," Rick tells us. While doing pooja (prayer) in the morning at his office is common, Rick says he has very Western way of living. At 31, he is still unmarried. We ask why. His abrupt answer is "I don't have time." And
For men we can fit 97 to 98 per cent..for women we need at least one fit to see where the extra fabric is, where the shirt is loose or where it's tight."
Young professionals are not looking for only blues and whites and checks..they still want conservative shirts but they want tightly fitted shirts, to show off bit of their body."
century ago," Rick notes. The Founder of Spier and MacKay, Fine Shirt Makers, Ricky Khanna is carrying on his family business of garments since 2001. His parents have been in apparel business for as long as Ricky remembers. His cousins in New Delhi are in tailoring business and his uncles were in the same tailoring business for decades. From this incident, he got his inspiration and an opportunity. Thus, came into being Spier and MacKay. Spier and MacKay takes orders from Canada and manufactures them in India.
bell for Ontario Liberals who go to polls in October 2011 and who have introd u c e d Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). HST has not been a big
$8,000 on $100,000 order "was a great hit. It was a shock for us. We had to pay that $800,000 immediately," he says. W h a t about the results of the US elections w h e r e Republicans have won majority in informal ware that can be worn casually over jeans. All shirts made by Spier and MacKay are cotton, so that you don't have to go shopping for summer, winter, fall or spring. Why not target female market too? The main reason is
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Rick explains on why they do not carry female line. Another interesting fact: 40 per cent of all clothing is men's. "It's a very healthy and it's an easier market," says the Founder of Spier & MacKay. As an individual, Rick follows politics closely. And here's the warning
Congress? "I am disappointed in American people, in how they expected such drastic changes in only two years after 8 years of what they have been through [in the previous Republican government]," says Rick. As for the Canadian fed-
arranged marriage is "very foreign to me," he says. On a second thought, Rick says he wants to focus on his product. "I want to do it, and I want to do it right," he says, referring to his shirts' business. Clearly he is proud of product he is offering to his clients at very competitive rates. Summarizing the difference between Spier & MacKay and brand names like Harry Rosen, Rick says "they [brand names] are nice shirts but they are not great shirts..we give a better quality for one-third of their price." For more information, please visit https://www.spierandmackay.com/ www.sagennext.com
"I MEMORIZED THE SPELLINGS OF AS MANY WORDS AS I COULD" SHELSHA PANDEY, WINNER OF SPELLING BEE COMPETITION
Shelsha Pandey, winner of Spelling Bee competition with Councillor Alex Chiu and Sarma Donepudi, organizer of the competition "I didn't really practice for the competition. I went over the list of more than 400 words," said Shelsha Pandey, the winner of Spelling Bee competition held in Markham. Tutor on Wheels , an organization dedicated to nurture and serve the educational needs of GTA children and youth has initiated the Spelling Bee competition to provide a better and diversified platform for GTA students to exhibit their literacy prowess. The competition kicked off in Brampton during September and invoked litOshawa, ON Representatives from local community agencies, government and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) joined together to celebrate the official launch of the UniversityCommunity Link Unit (CLU). During the event, invited guests learned how the new research unit will work with community stakeholders to examine societal problems such as poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, child abuse and violence. "Successful social science research requires collaborative efforts between a university and the individuals who live and work in communities," said Dr. Shanti Fernando, co-director,
eracy fever and competitive spirits among grade 610 children of all ethnicities and nationalities. In finals, "I memorized the spellings of as many words as I could," Shelsha adds. An avid reader and the fan of characters like Harry Potter, Shelsha found the competition to be harder than what she has been used to in her high school, Turner Fenton Secondary School Brampton. She is a 10th grade student who is also the Founder of the Debate Club at her high school. She plays piano and likes writing short sto-
ries, poems. She won the trophy, $300 cash, certificate and special prize from Language Teachers Canada. Talking to Generation Next, Mr. Sarma Donepudi, Director and President of Tutor on Wheels noted that there were two reasons for which he felt the need to have Spelling Bee competition. One, there is not enough exposure given to Spelling Bee Canada; and Two, Spelling Bee Canada allows only students up to 8th grade to participate in the competition. Mr. Donepudi has two
masters in Science degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is also a PhD is Environmental Chemistry. He teaches modules of food safety and food quality assurance at Seneca College and Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He also works in Food and Pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Donepudi has been tutoring for more than 14 years and his experience in teaching made him see the need to have a Spelling Bee competition. Noted TV journalist and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Kent graced the event and congratulated the winners and the finalists. Alex Chui, councillor, Town of Markham was the guest of honour to give the trophy and certificate to the winner. Newly elected school board trustee, Joanitha Nathan was also present at the event. She gave away the third prize plaque and $100 to Niveca Sivakulam, a student of Henry Kelsey P S, Scarborough. Vandana Ratnam, a grade 6 student of Boxwood public school Markham won the second prize plaque and $200 cash prize. Mr. Donepudi says that he would like to open the
MP Peter Kent with Sarma Donepudi, organizer of Spelling Bee competition with the winner Shelsha Pandey
Final Contestants ready Spelling Bee Competition
tor, CLU is a campuswide organized research unit that conducts collaborative, interdisciplinary applied research with various stakeholders in Durham Region and Northumberland County to support the needs of those working to build sustainable communities and cities. Its goal is to help scholars, students and stakeholders to understand the dynamics of communities, cities, and regions while informing public policy at local,
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regional, provincial, national and international levels. CLU is currently working with a small number of organizations on projects focused on immigration, diversity, poverty and mental health. New partners can include community-based organizations and associations; non-profit social service providers; neighbourhood or labour networks; advocacy, ethnic and national groups; museums and cultural centres; the
the
Joanitha Nathan, the newly elected school board trustee gives away prize to second runners up Niveca Sivakulam Spelling Bee competition to students of grade 11 and 12 next year. He plans on collaborating with school boards of various regions. In addition to this along the lines of 'Are you
UOIT OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES CLU CLU and assistant professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. "This research unit was designed to develop and deliver relevant research allowing us to work together and build a better Durham Region, Northumberland County and beyond." Co-directed by Dr. Fernando and Dr. Clemon George, assistant professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and Canadian Institutes of Health Research new investiga-
for
media; industry; advocacy coalitions; hospitals; schools; and all levels of government agencies. "CLU will help to bridge the gap between research and practice to inform social and economic policy," said Dr. George. "By working with public agencies and groups in communitybased research we will have access to more valid and accurate information, resulting in improved programs for individuals who utilize the services
smarter than 5th grader?' he would be introducing a competition where students will be asked to define scientific terminologies to raise awareness about health and Science. of our partners." Attendees of the celebration also heard from guest speaker Dr. Jean J, Schensul, senior scientist and founding director, Institute for Community Research, Hartford, Connecticut, who is a renowned medical anthropologist with decades of experience in conducting HIV prevention and other healthrelated research. Dr. Schensul spoke about the importance of community engagement and community-based research and voiced her support for CLU. If you or your organization would like to explore a partnership with CLU, please contact c l u @ u o i t . c a <mailto:clu@uoit.ca> or 905.721.8668 ext. 5871. www.sagennext.com
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y aspirations in life are very simple. It's one simple goal actually. That goal is to become a doctor. It has been a childhood dream for me and I have been working hard to achieve this goal," says Neer
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Sirohi. Born in Saudi Arabia and brought up in Canada, Neer remembers playing doctor at a very young age. Currently she is volunteering at Credit Valley Hospital in its ER department. As a young woman, she feels there is intense pressure on students to get the highest grades which can result in a lot of stress for them. Finding jobs, conflict between the Eastern values and the Western culture, or finding Mr. Right all become blurred when compared to stress the youth goes through. "The pressure that youth is being faced with on a constant basis [is] to get good grades in our schooling system. This can be seen more in grade 12, for example, where teens are trying their hardest to achieve the best grades they can get, and this causes a lot of stress on these teens, which I think is the biggest issue teens face," says Neer. While many young people are indifferent to political arena, Neer believes "not to [follow politics and be engaged in it] is to ignore the basic responsibility that I have as a citizen to pay attention and voice myself to be represented properly." Neer's mother is her inspiration. "My mom's always been very supportive of every decision I've made and she's always helped me when I feel like I'm stuck. She's encouraged me every time I need it and she's never disappointed me. She's a strong woman and I do truly wish to someday be as much like my mom as I can," she says. Her motto of life is her mother's saying: "If it's to be, it's up to me." With school and home work, Neer has limited free time. But when she does, she loves to swim. She has been a completive swimmer at the Etobicoke Olympian. In school, she has been on the cross-country team, track and field and Nordic. Reading is her favourite pastime. "Reading has been a passion of mine. Whenever I get some spare time, I find nothing more relaxing than just sitting down with a good book and reading away," Neer tells us. In 10 years, she sees herself helping patients with their problems and saving lives while wearing a white coat. "I see myself as a doctor, and hopefully this dream will come true for me," Neer Sirohi adds with determination.
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A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER
By: Staff Writer ntroducing Diwali as a festival, Pundit Roopnauth Sharma, President of Hindu Federation Canada stated that "Diwali is not a Hindu thing, it's a human thing." P u n d i t Sharma was speaking to the audience gathered at Queens Park to celeb r a t e
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Diwali. In the audience were members of Indo Canadian community and honourable members of Ontario legislature. Dr. Eric Hoskins spoke of Ontario as a province that promotes multiculturalism, inclusiveness and openness. MPP Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP leader, said we want to be a society that is diverse a n d open, however "we have n o t
made it there yet." MPP Bob Delaney hosted Diwali event at Queens Park. Members of Hindu Federation Canada joined the celebrations. MPP Delaney noted that he had invited members of Ontario PC Caucus to join in, however no PC MPP had come to the celebration. NDP leader MPP Andrea Horwath was present at the event and wished 'shub Diwali' to all. Mudra Bhatt, a graduate in Biology from McMaster University and part time instructor at Bharatnatyam School in Scarborough performed a traditional dance routine at the event. Among other MPPs, Dr. Eric Hoskins (Toronto St. Paul), MPP Amrit Mangat (Mississauga B r a m p t o n South),Dr. Shafiq Q a a d r i (Etobicoke North), Charles Sousa (Mississauga South), Bas Balkinssoon (Scarborough Rouge River), Reza Moridi (Richmond Hill), Tony Ruprecht (Davenport) and Helena Jaczek (Oak Ridges Markham) were also present at the event.
n behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to extend warm greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali. Ontario’s tremendous cultural diversity is what gives our great province its strength and vitality — and also ensures our success. The South Asian community has enhanced Ontario’s social, cultural and eco-
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Pandit Roopnauth Sharma, President of Hindu Federation Canada
nomic life in many ways. As members of that community, you continue to make Ontario — and Canada as a whole — an even better place to live, work and raise a family. The Festival of Lights is a reaffirmation of hope, a shared commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a celebration of life. May the warmth, hospitality and joy you experience during Diwali strengthen your families, your friendships and your community. Please accept my very best wishes for a memorable celebration.
Dalton McGuinty Premier
MPP Andrea Horwath, leader of NDP wished shub Diwali to all
Mandra Bhatt with MPP Amrit Mangat (Mississauga Brampton South)
Darshana Sachania, Rohan Sethi with Shipra Sethi
MPP Bob Delaney (Mississauga-Streetsville), graciously agreed to host Diwali celebrations at Queens Park
Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontairo Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
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THE DECONSTRUCTION OF DISCORD WARIS HUSAIN AND AMANDEEP SINGH akistanis and Indians are taught from infancy about the "factual" nature of what our cousins on the other side of the subcontinent are like. We learn of the deceitful Hindu, who lacks any true belief or faith, or the fanatical Muslim, who suppresses his womenfolk and beheads infidels for sport. This is the commonly-taught narrative across India and Pakistan, which the emigrants of these countries attempt to instill into their firstgeneration children. But then something happens which undoes this false dichotomy: we meet each other. In fact, the construction and deconstruction of this seemingly impassable enmity between nations is a product of
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two forces: lack of contact between the two people and the process of "othering" which was adopted by the elites of both nations. The lack of contact between Indians and Pakistanis has been the greatest limitation toward reconciling the nations and is due greatly to the violent split of the nations and the bitter relationship created thereafter. Indeed, this lack of interaction was required if one wished to divide a group of people who shared thousands of years of common history and culture. Proving an old wisdom, "you hate and fear what you don't know," the inability to physically and socially connect across the border has been key in maintaining the enmity between the nations. However, the mixing pot of America encour-
ages an environment that breaks down these narratives by allowing full contact between all its citizens. Thus, the Pakistani and Indian
dren clearly see rational, friendly Muslims and honest, sincere Hindus, forcing the deconstruction of warped characteriza-
Diaspora's greatest gift has been to allow the first-generation to discover their connections rather than focus on their differences. When their American-born children go to school and college, they seem to find a great deal of camaraderie in the enemy population. First-Generation chil-
tions. This contact allowed for the discovery of common familial relationships, culture, food, and art. Further, the inevitable
By moving to foreign nations that allowed for open contact between the two groups, the children of South Asian immigrants have been able to develop a friendship and understanding unlike their families back home. Further, by being subject to the commonly-held racial bias, Pakistanis and Indians have been able to connect with one another as a singular group who shares generations of common history. contact between one's friend and family allow for our parents to further deconstruct their preconceptions based on a lack of interaction or knowledge. In speaking with the parents of their children's friends, Pakistanis realize that they have the same exact interests as any Indian in America. Both want to earn an honest living and provide their children with an open environment while attempting to preserve their culture, values, and beliefs. Thus, the parent of a firstgeneration child wants their child to assimilate to the society while also retaining the culture of "the old country" whether by arranged marriage or speaking the language at home. The second concur-
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rent element that is central to the division between the Subcontinent is the process of "othering". Oftentimes, we understand our own identity by contemplating who we are not. Each society, and enclaves within it, undergoes a process of "othering" to target a common enemy, but to also create a common identity. For newlyfreed colonial states, one of their most important objectives was to create a common identity in the wake of overthrowing a colonial system that had provided stability for decades. By demonizing the neighbors across the border, the
ruling elite of both nations profited by creating nationalist fervor in support of the proud Pakistani or Indian identity. Yet, when they immigrate to nations like the U.S., their children undergo a convergent process of "othering." This process brings together first-generation kids from across South Asian as they consider themselves collectively sharing common cultures and lifestyles distinguished from the mainstream American culture as a whole. Indeed, the existence of South Asian cultural groups in America ranging from student organizations to theater troops displays, how positive "othering" can be in building bridges and sharing the
pride in their common culture. On the other hand, there is a process by which first-generation children may feel excluded from the mainstream American society, as "others". The Pakistani and Indian middle school student quickly discovers the fact that has eluded his parents and grandparents: an American bully doesn't differentiate between the funny-named Indian or Pakistani, he steals the lunch money of both and laughs if either suggests a distinction. Also, after 9/11 many Sikhs shared in the trauma of being harassed just as Muslims were, because of the mainstream culture's lack of distinction between Indians and Pakistanis. While these events are shocking, they allowed for the false dichotomy to be broken down as Sikh's and Muslims realized their common struggle and identity. Through the Diaspora of Pakistanis and Indians across the world, we have seen the deconstruction of the long-standing belligerent views between nations amongst the first-generation. By moving to foreign nations that allowed for open contact between the two groups, the children of South Asian immigrants have been able to develop a friendship and understanding unlike their families back home. Further, by being subject to the commonlyheld American racial bias, Pakistanis and Indians have been able to connect with one another as a singular group who shares generations of common history. Thus, the arch nemesis relationship between the nations is a product of politics rather than inherent differences between the people as purported by chauvinists from both sides. Waris Husain is pursuing his Juris Doctorate Degree at the Howard University School of law and hopes to graduate in 2011. He is also co-founder of Sovereign Minds, journal/ forum for socially progressive thought in the study of law. "Amandeep Singh is a research assistant at Middle East Institute." www.sagennext.com
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N-SUPPLIERS' LIABILITY KULDIP NAYAR is a senior journalist based in Delhi. t is difficult to predict the verdict of history on the US-India nuclear pact. But what cannot be denied are the untiring efforts of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He even staked his government to get parliament's nod. Yet the opposition - the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the communists making common cause for the first time in parliament's history - was able to place substantial responsibility for any future compensation on the nuclear plant suppliers. It has now been enshrined in legislation. This was not to the liking of Manmohan Singh. He could visualise that the responsibility provision would keep American investors away, and this happened. They wanted the dilution of liability. The prime minister saw cold water poured on his plan to bring American investors to the field of nuclear energy. But he is not the man to give up when at stake was cheap nuclear energy which he sees as the answer to poverty in the countryside. Therefore he has gone to the extent of signing the Convention on S u p p l e m e n t a r y Compensation at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. The convention sets parameters on a nuclear operator`s liability in the event of an accident. That the prime minister has the power to sign an
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international convention is not the point at issue. He can do so. What is not understandable is why he has gone over the entire exercise outside India, outside parliament and outside his cabinet. In other words, whatever was agreed in parliament has in effect been negated by signing the convention. Such things are not acceptable in democratic countries. Bypassing parliament means overriding the norms of democracy. Parliament was rightly concerned over the responsibility of the suppliers and debated for days to ensure that they would not run away from their moral and legal obligations to protect the public. A reluctant Manmohan Singh had to give in because of pressure from practically all parties in the opposition. They too were keen to get cheap nuclear power, but they had a bitter experience with the 1984 Bhopal tragedy. An American company had installed an outdated gas plant which leaked, killing thousands. Till today it is not known why the American company, Union Carbide, was let off lightly and why its chairman was flown in a state plane to Delhi, en route to America. Parliament has learned the lesson that if the responsibility of suppliers is not spelt out, many Bhopals could happen. Sadly, Manmohan Singh has undone by signing the convention what parliament institutionalised by law. That the two houses will see the debate revived about the suppliers` liability is of little satisfaction because the harm done through the convention cannot be undone. I am surprised that neither the BJP, nor the left, has made an issue of the
convention. The media too has kept quiet. Maybe,
event of a Bhopal-style nuclear accident.
both the opposition and the media have not yet realised
Could New Delhi have paid the price? The story
nuclear weapons club comprising the US, China, Great Britain, France and Russia. This is said to be a stepping stone to becoming a permanent member with veto rights in the UN Security Council. Moreover, this status will open India`s access to cutting-edge military, civilian and dual-use technologies. India`s entire nuclear energy programme is a cloak and dagger story. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who asked Homi Bhabha to initiate the nuclear energy programme, may not have had the bomb in view, but definitely authorised the infrastructure to preserve India`s options. The truth of when India
the repercussions of the convention which ensures that the suppliers will now have limited liability in the
circulating is that President Obama will push India`s case to be included as a member of the elite
decided to go for the bomb is in all likelihood contained within the Bhabha papers that are currently
The story circulating is that President Obama will push India`s case to be included as a member of the elite nuclear weapons club comprising the US, China, Great Britain, France and Russia. This is said to be a stepping stone to becoming a permanent member with veto rights in the UN Security Council. Moreover, this status will open India`s access to cutting-edge military, civilian and dual-use technologies.
21 | SOUTH ASIAN GENERATION NEXT | 11-11-2010
`preserved` within the confines of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). I have tried to access those papers, but have drawn a blank. I believe only a select few have been allowed to look at them. They include the official archivist at BARC, Indira Chowdhury, who has written an uncritical, glowing biography of Bhabha. It is ironical that the clearance of colossal nuclear energy plans coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, which has championed the cause of hundreds of thousands of displaced tribal people facing destruction with the completion of the Sardar Sarovar dam project. The major point of contrast, of course, pertains to land. The government is offering guaranteed availability of land to international and domestic investors, even as the fertile land faces imminent submergence. wallah The damming of Narmada is a tragedy admitted even by union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh. "I am not an antidam ," Ramesh said. "But the fact remains that the Narmada project, one of the best planned projects in the world, has been one of the worst implemented." But then the Narmada leaders do not have the clout that the American nuclear plant suppliers have. Manmohan Singh has even bypassed parliament to make it possible for them to come to India. But he has not, even after giving promise, done anything to relocate thousands who have been driven out of their homes and hearths to enable the dam to come up.
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WHO ARE SUICIDE BOMBERS? DR. HASAN ASKARI
Lahore errorism is described as a deliberate, planned and systematic use or threat of use of violence and coercion in pursuance of some definite socio-political or politico-religious agenda. It is an attempt to force a change of behavior or policy output of, or subjugate an individual, group, community and an established authority by intimidation, violence and damage to property and killings of human being. Any indiscriminate violence against unarmed individuals and a wholesale destruction of their property in a planned manner is viewed as terrorism even when this is done in the name of freedom struggle or such a strategy is adopted to challenge a political authority with dubious legitimacy. The main basis of terrorism is extremism and intolerance. There is no value of
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life and property of those who do not share their ideological-religious and political worldview and agenda. Suicide bombing is one of many strategies adopted by militant groups. There are no born suicide bombers. Most of them are young persons, ranging from the ages of 14-16 years to 2728 who are prepared by a two interlinked mind-capturing processes. Their societal links with the family and friends are cut-off and they are indoctrinated into an ideology and trained for undertaking the mission. A highly extreme and intolerant interpretation of Islam is employed to prepare for such missions. The target is projected as the enemy of Islam or an agent of the enemies of Islam in the garb of a Muslim whose killing is described as a service to Islam and ensures martyrdom status in the other world. Pakistan is experiencing three types of terrorism now-a-days. First, violence and intimidation by Baloch dissident and separatist groups in some districts of Balochistan. These groups have threatened peace and stability. These are secular
groups. Their main targets are people from Punjab and Sindh who are providing services in education, healthcare and other urban professions. This has caused the shortage of qualified teachers and other professionals in
Pakistani cities during 2007-2010. Their activists are engaged in bombing public places and assault various offices of civilian government, police, military and intelligence agencies and kill people. In addition to those working
The Pakistani government and its security agencies will have to cope with these groups to assert their primacy. This will require a policy that combines the use of force with political measures to provide an opportunity to these activists to return to the political process. Balochistan. Second, a host of militant Islamic groups based in the tribal areas, describing themselves as the Pakistani Taliban, are engaged in terrorism and intimidation mainly in the tribal areas. In some tribal areas they function as a parallel government and are engaged in armed confrontation with the Pakistan's security forces. The Pakistani Taliban trained a large number of suicide bombers who resorted to suicide bombings in various
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under the rubric of the Pakistani Talban, there are several local militant groups that have local agendas of establishing their domain of authority. They also clash with security forces and fight with each other. Third, an array of militant Islamic groups are based in mainland Pakistan, especially in the Punjab, that have proliferated over times. As a result breakaway groups emerged out of them. The old and wellknown groups can be iden-
tified but the mushroom growth of factions cannot be fully accounted for. The well-known Punjab based groups include Lashkar-eTayyaba/Jamaatud Dawa, Jaish-i-Muhammad, Sipahi-Sahaba working under a new name and Lashkar-iJhangvi. They have breakaway factions, each working as the loyalist of the breakaway leader. These factions are more violent than their parent organization. These groups and factions can be divided into two overlapping categories: Islamic-sectarian and those focusing on Kashmir. The former include the Sipah-eSahaba and the Lashkar-eJhangvi and their breakaway factions target the followers of other Islamic sects and their places of worship and Sufi shrines. They are also involved in terrorism against government installations and military and police personnel. Some small but violent groups like Jundallah have surfaced in Karachi. A similar group extends over Pakistani and Iranian Balochistan. The Taliban type militant factions are said to be operate in Karachi and Quetta which
have strong sectarian orientations. Lashkar-i-Tayyaba and Jaish-i-Muhammad focus on Indian-administered Kashmir and India. However, their breakaway leaders get involved in sectarian and other violent attacks in Pakistan. The Jamaatud Dawa and Falahi-Insaniat, affiliates of the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, devote attention to social welfare and educational activities in the poor sections of the society. The Taliban and mainland militant groups subscribe to Deobandi, Wahabi/Slalafi and AhleHadees (Hadith) Islamic traditions. The Pakistan government and its security agencies will have to cope with these groups to assert their primacy. This will require a policy that combines the use of force with political measures to provide an opportunity to these activists to return to the political process. This could be coupled with social and economic development for the ordinary people. It is going to be a slow process, spread over five to seven years, but it is the time we must use to build consensus.
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SMS, WILL YOU MARRY ME? POONAM PATEL Mississauga
would never have an arranged marriage." "If I get an arranged marriage, it'll only be because I was left with no more options." Sound familiar? The thing is, the idea of arranged marriages has evolved since way back when, at least in Western cultures and most especially - or importantly - among the older generation, i.e. our parents, many of whom were arranged in the utmost traditional and commonly known way of arranged marriages (in South Asian culture); like the 'blind arranged marriage' where the bride and groom see each other for the first time at their wedding or the way of the potential groom visiting his potential bride's home and prodding around about family relations, annual income, education (if we're lucky), and how effective
"I
Vicco Turmeric cream actually is. Today, 'arranged' marriages take on slight variation; a common one being, sets of parents exchanging their son or daughter's email addresses with each other for their of-age offspring. There wouldn't be any other arrangements involved, except the ones of inviting him to Blackberry Messenger or an event via Facebook, should this globalized 'relationship' progress. The two potentials would simply be introduced to each other, and that to, on their own wills. He can toss her email address in the trash for all she knows, or even care. Should it even be called 'arranged'? The entire future of it is in your own hands, and we all know that today's generation is all about personal ownership. Alongside that, there are vast modes of communication to explore it with and unless your biological clock has begun to speed up or something related, you can go at your own pace - which even in a cheetah's world would be super duper quick since we
are so engrossed in this instantaneous world that goes beyond 2-minute Maggi noodles. So how 'bad' can this concept of socalled arranged marriages/relationships get, if at all? Pretty bad. But that's if we choose not to extract
mindblasting, but there has to be something(s) that still worked in the past for most of our parents, uncles, aunties, to be still happily together planning their kid's wedding. Did you just apologize to your boyfriend for a slight misunderstanding? It's
ues of human kindâ&#x20AC;Śif we allow it. Popular social psychologist Daniel Goleman states that 'for every hour people spent using the Internet, their face-to-face contact with friends, coworkers, and family fell by 24 minutes". And still, in a way we're getting a second chance at
world (that would have instantly detected if he/she was in it just for the green card). Not to say that we will not gather this knowledge and learn lifelong lessons of the values stated above by remaining unmarried or through other experiences that may be just as signifi-
For today's generation, we may need to step out of our inbox or SMS screen, ignore the minute details of connecting with someone and ask ourselves, what's really acting as the foundation for the arrangement between you and him/her? values and lessons from the marriages that have been arranged and successful already. Sure, it may be easier, convenient and less uncomfortable to learn about someone from the other side of the screen, whether 16" or 1.5", than feeling that pressure to say yes to the next person who walks through the door because his/her bio-data is
been 45 seconds and he hasn't replied back yet has he? Is your hair beginning to fall out? Call it insecurity if you're secure enough to do so, or just label it as plain ol' impatience; a product of globalization. Our instant world, as beneficial and efficient as it can be, takes away (and yes, also makes way; another story) from some of the strongest val-
still attaining them because we have the older generation modeling - whether they realize it or not - what constitutes as patience, sacrifice, empathy, commitment, and responsibility. They are the ones who married the stranger; who had to sum up their life in a bio-data, who had to trust their own gut and the stranger's that both are in it solely for marriage or another shared vision, and who did all of this without the aid of a globalized
cant as migration or marrying a stranger but rather for today's generation, we may need to step out of our inbox or SMS screen, ignore the minute details of connecting with someone and ask ourselves, what's really acting as the foundation for the arrangement between you and him/her? Lucky for us, we have the best of both worlds; old-fashioned and globalized love to figure out the answer.
Continued from Pg 11
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES EXPANDED NEWBORN REGISTRATION SERVICE "Parents of newborns have enough to think about when a baby arrives, that is why the Federal government has worked with our provincial counterparts to provide better services to Canadian families, to reduce duplication and red tape whenever we can" said the Honourable Diane Finley. This expanded service lets parents combine four separate applications into one easy-to-use online process from the comfort of their home. No waiting in line and faster processing times makes it easier for busy new parents to cross another thing off their to-do list. Over 100,000 parents in the province have used the online service since it was launched in 2009. Research shows that about 89 per cent of parents in Ontario are going online to register the births of their children. Application for child benefits on birth registration forms have been 23 | SOUTH ASIAN GENERATION NEXT | 11-11-2010
implemented in four other provinces - Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and QuĂŠbec - making the service available for approximately 75 per cent of the newborn population in Canada. Ontario was the first jurisdiction in North
America to launch a government service guarantee, including receiving a birth certificate in 15 days or it's free. There are currently seven online guarantees for delivering family-friendly government services available at Serviceontario.ca.
MISSING he Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing man. Kapil Patel, 25, was last seen on Tuesday, November 1, 2010, at 1 a.m., in the area of York University. He is described as brown, 5'6", 120 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. Police are concerned
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for his safety. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416808-3100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. www.sagennext.com
WHEN CULTURE CONFLICTSâ&#x20AC;Ś DR. AMITHA MUNDENCHIRA Mississauga ifferent cultures have developed since the beginning of time as a result of the basic human instinct to survive. Every culture is unique to the society that cultivates it; so, moving from one society to another requires adoption of some of the traditions of the new society. Conflicts arise when people deem their culture to be superior to the rest and are not willing to accept any values of the new society. No traditions are bad unless they result in harmful consequences to either the society or to fellow companions. As a family physician with South Asian roots, I have experienced and also see some of these conflicts in groups ranging from kids to the elderly and from the newly immigrated to the long-term settlers. No conflict is without resolution. It does not mean
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that you have to give up traditions - your values make you unique and may benefit the new society also. South Asian families are traditionally patriarchal and extended. Such a system has advantages in the North American culture where individualism thrives. This extended patriarchal system can work well for different age groups. First, for the kids, it can provide a stimulating environment for development when every family member practises the same upbringing customs. It falls apart when members compete to prove themselves as a guardian with the better parenting skills. Second, for the adolescents, it can provide a com-
fort zone to explore their confusing life stage filled with body changes and pressure from peers/society
to fulfill expectations. For this to happen, the members should understand that adolescents are faced with different materialistic struggles these days than in years past. It falls apart when guardians forget that they had once been
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adolescents themselves and expect the adolescents to focus only on matters related to building a 'reputable' career. Third, for the adults (including homemakers), it can provide an environment to feel special by being able to provide for the dependents and a place to relax at the end of day; this can happen when there is respect for privacy and space as requested by an individual. It falls apart when the main provider(s) is(are) taken advantage of for individual selfish needs. Last but not the least, for our wise senior members, it provides a continuum of the familiar/comfortable environment that they are
used to in South Asia ; for this to happen, all members should learn to respect their age/life experience and to understand the physical/mental changes of age. It falls apart when our elderly are ignored. This system can work well at different levels also. First for the longterm settlers, it works well when the head of the fam-
chief member or when the head of the family forces his views on the rest of family members - such force usually leads to rebellion and eventual dissolution of the family. Over the years, through personal experiences and through dealing with patient problems, I have learnt that two things can help resolve these conflicts and can help in the
Over the years, through personal experiences and through dealing with patient problems, I have learnt that two things can help resolve these conflicts and can help in the improvement of systems already working well - education and communication. ily brings his own life experience to the upbringing of his family members and yet respects individualism; this promotes an atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable to discuss issues. Second, for the new immigrants, this system works well as the head of the family is open to accepting some of the new culture while providing appropriate guidance. The system fails at both levels when either there is no
improvement of systems already working well education and communication. Therefore, I advise to make it a point to set aside weekly time to spend some quality time with family - for example, make an effort to assign time for everyone to sit together at a meal. Then, you can enjoy the benefits of the South Asian traditions even in the North American setting. Dr. Amitha Mundenchira practices family medicine at Oakville.
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I’m happy with my bold choices: Neha Dhupia
AAMIR ON KJO’S WISH LIST IRECTOR Karan Johar, who is coming up with the third season of ‘Koffee with Karan’, said he would be honoured to bring and interview superstar Aamir Khan in his popular talk show. “I had a chat with Aamir. I am trying to have him in this season. I think Aamir has proven his mettle
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ctress Neha Dhupia, who has made more news for her onscreen attire than for her forgettable roles, says she isn’t too perturbed when people call her bold but considers it a compliment. “There have been a number of occasions when people found my onscreen presence really bold. I don’t know what they mean when they say that. To me being bold is all about stepping into any role and being able to mould into the character,” said the actress, who came into limelight with Julie.”I experiment a lot with my roles. How many times have audiences seen me repeating my roles?” asked the 30year-old.”I can wear a two-piece swim suit and at the same time play a dacoit queen which I am doing in one of my upcoming projects. If that’s what people mean by saying that I am bold then,yes, I am bold,” Dhupia told PTI.The former Miss India feels that the Indian film industry has finally “come of age” and gone are the days when what the heroine wears or doesn’t wear gains precedence over her skills as an actress.”Most actresses these days, even the top ones, have a bikini scene or two in their movies and they carry it off well. It doesn’t look vulgar. Despite the entire hullabaloo about skin show and stuff my acting skills haven’t gone unnoticed and I’m happy about that.”Talking about her first international project, where Dhupia will feature alongside Hollywood actor Chris Kattan in a US television show titled Bollywood Hero, Dhupia said she played the role of Lalima, the industry’s reigning queen who is known more for courting controversies than her acting skills.
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as a filmmaker, actor and as a personality I think we should all be really proud of. Aamir conceptually has said that we would do it but we are yet to figure out a date and a schedule. It would be my honour to interview Aamir Khan,” Karan told reporters. For the first time, actor couple Abhishek and Aishwarya would be appearing in any talk show together after their marriage. “It was a great to have Abhi and Ash, there are my friends only. After their marriage, it’s their first appearance together in a talk show. There were many things that I wanted to know, which I think audience would love to know because they are really one of the royal couple of Bollywood,” said Karan. Stories were making rounds that estranged couple actor Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra would appear together in the show, but Karan rubbished the speculations showering praise on their acting skills. says she is a timeless beauty. “Aishwarya is my muse, my jaan and I get terribly excited when I make a film with her because she is very, very special. Some people are timeless and Aishwarya will be there for another 20 years,” said Bhansali, whose third
notion that women can’t work after marriage. Why are we so regressive in our thinking? If she wants to work, her audience wants to see her, what is people’s problem? I as a husband am very happy that she is doing so well. I think she is doing better work now,”
project with the actress, ‘Guzaarish’, releases Nov 19. Aishwarya, who married actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007, has broken the notion that married actresses discontinue their film careers... and her husband is proud of her. “I feel great about Aishwarya’s achievements, I’m very proud of her. Whatever adulation she has got, she truly deserves it. I’m happy that she broke the
Abhishek had said. Aishwarya started acting in 1997 with Tamil film ‘Iruvar’, followed by her Bollywood debut in the same year opposite Bobby Deol in ‘Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya’ - both of which flopped. But the next year, she won her first Filmfare Best Actress award South for Tamil film ‘Jeans’. She also bagged the Filmfare Best
At 37, Aishwarya Rai is a director’s delight
OR most leading ladies in tinsel town, their career takes a downfall after they touch 30. But certainly not in the case of Aishwarya Rai, who continues to flourish in Bollywood as she turns 37 Monday and has two mega projects – ‘Action Replay’ and ‘Guzaarish’ - lined up for release. The former beauty queen has come a long way from being crowned Miss World in 1994, to working in Tamil films, moving to Bollywood and finally topping it up with international fame through movie projects as well as attending prestigious foreign film festivals. But all through her 13-year film career, filmmakers feel she has remained a director’s delight, and is here to stay for
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a long time to come. “Aishwarya always followed me during the shooting of ‘Taal’, and is a complete director’s actor. I’m proud she has evolved so much as an actor. She is giving good performances, she has achieved international fame, and she is leading a happy married life - what else can she ask for from life? But she is as grounded as ever,”
said filmmaker Subhash Ghai. The director, who worked with Aishwarya in 1999, says the actress will “definitely be in Bollywood for another 10 years” and is looking forward to associating with her once again. Ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who gave Aishwarya’s career a big push with ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ followed by ‘Devda’,
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Actress Award for Bhansali’s ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. She gave a power-packed performance in “Taal”, but then delivered a string of duds like “Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai”(2000), “Dhai Akshar Prem Ke”(2000), “Albela” (2001), “Hum Kisise Kum Nahi”(2001). But it was Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’ that resurrected her career and fetched her another Filmfare award in the Best Actress category. She also gave good performances in ‘Chokher Bali’(2002), ‘Raincoat’ (2004), ‘Guru’(2006), ‘Dhoom 2’, ‘Provoked’(2007), ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ (2008) and ‘Sarkar Raj’ (2008). She recently featured in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’ and opposite superstar Rajnikanth in ‘Robot’. Some of her English projects include ‘Bride & Prejudice’ (2003), ‘Mistress of Spices’, ‘The Last Legion’ (2007) and ‘Pink Panther’. According to a 2009 Forbes list, Aishwarya Rai is India’s most bankable star in Hollywood, and is also counted among the 100 most beautiful women in the world. She has been attending many international film festivals and was also the first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival in 2003. Now she is gearing up for the release of ‘Action Replay’ on Diwali and ‘Guzaarish’, and is busy promoting them. But she hopes to spend some time with her family as she steps into her new year. www.sagennext.com
Hindi Songs Rank /Song-Name 1 Zor Ka Jhatka 2 Adhoore 3 Tujhe Bhula Diya 4 Golmaal 5 Do Nishaaniyan 6 Ajab Leher 7 Chhan Ke Mohalla 8 Call Me Dil 9 Udi 10 Cry Cry
Film/Album Action Replayy Break Ke Baad Anjaana Anjaani Golmaal 3 Jhootha Hi Sahi Break Ke Baad Action Replayy Jhootha Hi Sahi Guzaarish Jhootha Hi Sahi
Bollywood Movies Rank /Film-Name
Director
1 Jhootha Hi Sahi
Abbas Tyrewala
2 Rakht Charitra - I 3 Piranha 3D
Ram Gopal Varma Alexandre Aja
4 From Paris with Love
Pierre Morel
5 Hisss
Jennifer Lynch
6 Aakrosh
Do Dooni Chaar
7 Do Dooni Chaar 8 Robot (Hindi Version)
Habib Faisal S Shankar
9 Nakshatra
Mohan Savalkar
10 Daayen Ya Baayen
Bela Negi
Hollywood Movies Rank /Film-Name 1 Megamind (2010) 2 Due Date (2010) 3 For Colored Girls (2010) 4 Red (2010/I) 5 Saw 3D (2010) 6 Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) 7 Jackass 3D (2010) 8 Hereafter (2010) 9 Secretariat (2010) 10 The Social Network (2010)
Sandra Bullock’s ex-hubby moves on! ctress Sandra Bullock’s ex-husband Jesse James and tattooist Kat Von D have sparked engagement rumours after she was seen wearing a giant diamond ring. James, 41, has been dating tattooist Von D, 28, for several months after his divorce from Bullock, 46, and despite there being continuous rumours about their romance, the LA Ink
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star has denied them all. During an appearance on American TV programme The Joy Behar Show she was seen wearing the ring, but she is said to have told interviewers not to refer to it. “Before the show she told Joy very emphatically she did not want to talk about it. Joy asked some Jesse questions, just not about the ring,” Stuff quoted a source as telling the New York Post. In another
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interview Von D said that the ring was from the 1900s, and would not comment on whether its an engagement ring or not, choosing instead to say that she loves the design. “Yeah, it’s been an addition to all the rest of my jewellery and my Victorian collection. They don’t make things like this anymore. There’s no more craftsmanship in a lot of things,” she stated. courtesy femalefirst www.sagennext.com
LILO RECONNECTS WITH OLD FRIENDS IN REHAB nect with her friends, who tried to tell her about her problem with excessive drinking and drug taking. “At the moment she is finding it tough being in rehab and she misses her friends and family,” femalefirst quoted a source as saying. “Lindsay has not made any great friends inside the clinic, she is just trying to keep her head down and get on with things,” the source added.
OLLYWOO D actress Lindsay Lohan is trying to reconnect with her old friends from the rehabilitation centre. The troubled actress, who is currently in a court-ordered rehabilitation stay at the Betty Ford Clinic in California until early January 2011, is said to be using her two-hour weekly internet usage time to recon-
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CAREY OBSESSED WITH PREGNANCY BOOKS inger Mariah Carey, who is expecting her first child next year, is so determined to be a good mother that she is spending hours reading pregnancy books. The ‘Hero’ singer, who confirmed her pregnancy with husband Nick Cannon last week, has also completely changed her eating habits, reports contactmusic . “Mariah has turned ultra health conscious. There is nothing unhealthy in the house. No junk food, no alcohol, nothing. Nick is making sure she has everything she needs including fetching her just about every book on babies and pregnancy ever written. Mariah is 41 and she’s leaving nothing to chance,” said a source close to the couple. But one thing that Carey is not able to avoid is high heels. “I came home yesterday to help my
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BEIJING: A model presents a creation from a cashmere collection by Chinese fashion house Mihuang Qigang during China Fashion Week in Beijing. AFP
wife get ready for her video shoots and she has
these 19-inch heels on. So I go into the closet searching for some flats for my wife. She got a lot of damn shoes - it’s like a Macy’s. And Mariah Carey does not own one pair of flat shoes,” he said. Carey defended her-
self, insisting she does own flat shoes - but did not want to wear them. “To be fair, I had some boots from Aspen, some Dior boots. Ski boots. And then we did find some flats and then they were a regular ballet slipper, like a beige, and I was like, ‘I don’t think so.’” she said. After persuading Carey to don ski boots, the 30-year-old presenter is now planning a shopping trip to buy the singer some more practical footwear. “Basically, I got Mariah Carey, the highheel queen, to put on some flats. And this is amazing. I’m going shoe shopping today, needless to say, to buy you some flat shoes.”
Top 10 celebrity autobiographies 1. On the Edge: My Story Richard Hammond We learn about that crash and the milestones in his slow recovery to full health. 2. Sharon Osbourne
A perennial object of speculation and fascination, constantly in the media, Gordon Ramsay is a major figure of our times. Learn the secrets behind Gordon
his career, about his relationship with the princess of pop, Kylie Minogue, and how he finally got his own very happy ending with the woman who saved him, his partner Angela
sumptuous photographs Cristiano Ronaldo gives his thoughts about his life so far, both on and off the pitch. 6. Jordan - Katie Price This book
speak her mind. 7. Barefaced Lies and Boogie-woogie Boasts This memoir is packed with hilarious anecdotes and unusual memories. It provides an inside look into the
sold out arenas in less time than it took to play one of their singles. But when the band split up, what followed for Gary is an inspiring journey of highs and lows... 9. In the Frame -
our age. 10. Head on - Ian Botham - Ian Botham Ian Botham, voted the cricketer of the 20th century by the fans, was a genuine allrounder who, when on
Survivor - Sharon Osbourne From her experiences as an X Factor judge to further adventures and dramas in the Osbourne house, Sharon tells it like it really is - with wit, honesty and style. 3. Playing With Fire - Gordon Ramsay
Ramsay’s phenomenal success — the truth behind the headlines. 4. Between The Lines, My Story Uncut - Jason Donovan In his frank and honest account of his life, Jason talks candidly about the drugs that nearly saw the end of
and their two children. 5. Moments Cristiano Ronaldo Moments is an invitation to the reader to share with him some of the most fantastic moments of his career so far, and get to know him a little better. As well as an array of
promises to be by turns funny, biting, glamorous, disarmingly honest and utterly frank. This is the one celebrity autobiography of the year that promises you the noholds barred truth from the woman who loves to
world of music as well a wonderful insight into the debonair gentleman and national institution that is Jools Holland. 8. My Take - Signed - Gary Barlow Take That was the original and the best British boy band ever. Their records sold millions, and they
Helen Mirren Golden Globe and Oscar ceremonies make their appearance, as do many stunning images of Helen by the world’s leading photographers. In the Frame is a book to savour, created and written by one of the great personalities of
form, was simply unstoppable. From cannabis smoking to accusations of affairs, ball-tampering and air-rage, he became a figure of obsession for the tabloids, making his story unmissable. courtesy talk talk
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YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPE Aries / Mesha Rasi March 21 - April 19
Taurus / Vrushaba Rasi
Gemini /
Mithuna Rasi
April 20 - May 20
May 21 - June 20
The Sun is in Scorpio, making this a week when your passion may get the better of you. activity associated with other countries. Venus is retrograde for a while longer, so be careful with all negotiations and financial dealings. People are more likely to break their promises.
The focus on your house of sex equals passion and means instant chemistry for whatever you're doing. want your own space and some freedom to experiment socially. It's time to get away from the usual crowd and meet some very different friends who can offer new experiences.
Venus is retrograde, which enables you to negotiate with a smile and still get your way. at flirting, but you're even more so right now. Others may find you hard to resist, so use this to your advantage. Mercury in Sagittarius enables you to talk your way in and out of any deal.
Cancer /
Leo /
Virgo /
Karkataka Rasi
Simha Rasi
Kanya Rasi
June 22 - July 22
July 23 - Aug 22
Aug 23 - Sept 22
Look to your dreams, as they may be able to show you a new path, one of great relevance to you. out of the blue, expect the unexpected, and then have fun. Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces will enhance your intuition. Listen to your heart.
Don't be so hard on yourself. There are many reasons to be happy with the way things are progressing. Saturn in Libra is helping you market yourself, and the Sun in Scorpio is encouraging you to think about the possibility of working from home.
The focus on your home zone is great for entertaining and making plans for the future. hold all those conversations with lovers, potential lovers, financial advisers, friends, brothers, sisters, clients, and business partners. You need to talk!
Libra /
Scorpion /
Sagittarius /
Vruschika Rasi
Dhannus Rasi
Tula Rasi
Sept 23 - Oct 22
Oct 23 - Nov 21
Nov 22 - Dec 21
Even though romance isn't your main priority, you still have options for some interesting encounters, especially online. Since it's your joint financial planet, this isn't the best time to arrange loans or go over your limit. Wait until after November 18 for best results.
You're in love with love, but you need emotional space and to feel you are your own person, even if it's for just a while. interests. There is also a chance that one meeting may bring you far more than you bargained for. There could be a special kind of chemistry in the air.
The ball is in your court where your love life is concerned, especially at the start of the week. generally explore other options. But stay tuned to your intuition. It's valuable at this time. Make time to entertain, too. It will be delightful!
Capricorn /
Aquarius /
Pisces /
Makara Rasi
Kumba Rasi
INDIFFERENCE When you see Washington consistently turning a blind eye to suffering, don't sit back and apathetically blame indifference. The loudest voices may be delivering the worst messages today, but history shows that grassroots energy has the power to change. Senator John Kerry The most distressing aspect of the world into which you are going is its indifference to the basic issues, which now, as always, are moral issues. Robert Maynard Hutchins
Ignorance, inertia and indifference are alive and well in America`s newspapers. Minority still equals inferiority in the minds of many American editors and publishers. Loren Ghiglione Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference, which is, at least, half infidelity Edmund Burke The only kind of dignity which is genuine is that which is not diminished by the indifference of others. Dag Hammarskjold
Indifference may not wreck a man`s life at any one turn, but it will destroy him with a kind of dry-rot in the long run. Bliss Carman The opposite of love is not hate, it`s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it`s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it`s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it`s indifference. Elie Wiesel Desire is half of life; indifference is half of death. Kahlil Gibran
WORD SEARCH: CRIME
Meena Rasi
Dec 22 - Jan 19
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Feb 19 - Mar 20
Your dating activities should be a great success. You feel free enough to unleash your passion. However, business, write books, and come up with fabulous moneymaking ideas. You're both practical and spiritual. It may be a formula for success!
The Sun in your career zone continues to bring you many opportunities to shine. share your perspectives on life and love. Getting together with those on your wavelength will do you a world of good, whether you're seeking a whole new relationship or are already involved in one.
It still isn't the best time to apply for that loan or go over your credit limit. If you need help sorting out zone are encouraging you to take greater responsibility for your actions and stand up for your beliefs. You're developing a philosophy of success that's beginning to work for you.
SUDOKU
antisocial behaviour arson assault crime criminal domestic
violence drugs fraud graffiti guncrime kidnapping knives
law mugging murder piracy police prison sentence
speeding terrorism theft victim
JOKES Heisenberg is out for a drive when he's stopped by a traffic cop. The cop says "Do you know how fast you were going?" Heisenberg says "No, but I know where I am." 28 | SOUTH ASIAN GENERATION NEXT | 11-11-2010
So I went to buy a watch, and the man in the shop said "Analogue." I said "No, just a watch." I went into a shop and I said, "Can someone sell me a kettle." The bloke said "Kenwood" I said, "Where is he?"
So I went in to a pet shop. I said, "Can I buy a goldfish?" The guy said, "Do you want an aquarium?" I said, "I don't care what star sign it is." I phoned the local ramblers club today, and this bloke just went on and on. www.sagennext.com
29 | SOUTH ASIAN GENERATION NEXT | 11-11-2010
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