From the
CEO’s Desk
Welcome to AAJ, Canada’s Premier South Asian Lifestyle Magazine
A
aj is today; AAJ is about your world— about you.
Aaj welcomes you! This publication reflects our generation: our roots, our journey and our destination. We are in a very unique situation; a blend of cultures, of both Eastern and Western influences and values. AAJ will take a slice of this and serve it nine times annually. We hope to stimulate your mind and heart in many different ways with each issue. So, who are we? In 1997, friends of diverse backgrounds and specializations linked up to create a publication that gave voice to our generation. I want to thank my partners, the pioneers of A A J who created this gem in 1997: Gautam Lohia, Mahendra Singh, Khurram Saeed, Paul Dhillon and Tinu Mathur, Monica Mather, Namtez Sohal and Hari Varshney. Your vision and dedication proved invaluable.
THE TEAM
Along the way, we have added many talents to grow our vision.
6
AAJ
ma gazine
Publishers Suki Pangalia Goldy Pataria Steve Sandhu
Photographers Aziz Ladha Sonya Toor Neelu
Advertising & Sales Kelly Paul Baraich
Thank You! Angela Yeung Barbara Bell-Olsen Bharthi Sandhu Bilal Cheema Bindi Bains Chanelle Ho Dee Bains Deepak Budlakoti
Editor Hardeep Design Crystal ball Advertising SEPT/OCT 2015
I thank our new publishers, Steve Sandhu and Goldy Pataria, who inspire me to take this publications to new heights. I also appreciate the wonderful people who are the back-bone of AAJ today: Hardeep Sidhu, Kelly Uppal, Paul Baraich, Jon Singh, Dr. Paramjit Bhui, Tony Singh, Perminder Chohan, Rita Chohan and Harj Sajjan. You are the magic behind the curtains, and I am indebted to your efforts. This publication is the fruit of many people’s ideas and hard work- from conception to completion- all with the common vision of providing first-generation South Asians with something to call their own. We will continue to touch upon issues that are important to you; to enlighten, to entertain, to shock, to uplift and to redefine our role as young South Asian Canadians. We will continue to present hard-hitting and controversial stories that shine a light on the darker areas of our society. To truly make this a magazine about you, we welcome your feedback.Please feel free to write, email, or call us with your insights and thoughts. Positive or negative, it’s merely hearing from you that we value. That’s how we can grow and continue to serve you. Enough with the introduction. Sit back, relax and welcome to the world of AAJ
Deepak Hari Dereck Kankam Dr. Sukh S. Mann Harvey Kooner Iti Kalsi Jazzy B Jon Singh Jordon Smith Keven Brown Kuljeet Kaila Naaz Khimani Raj Bhui Richard Hosein Rita Ramen
Roc Morin Ronnie Sidhu Sandiya Prasad Sasha Ramnarine Sherry Duggal Shobna Prasad (Miss Fiji Canada) Sonia Andhi (Shakti Awards) Surdel Party Rentals Vincent Prakash (Jai Fiji) Special Thanks Manjit Minhas
aajmag.ca