Global, India, LifestyleLeave a comment

Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony

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Marking a significant moment in the history of the UAE, around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers thronged to participate in and witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Volunteers began to arrive at the site location as early as 6:00 a.m., with participants arriving at 8:00 a.m. The Shilanyas Ceremony, which is an ancient Vedic ritual performed to bless and sanctify the main foundation stones, commenced at 9:00 a.m.

This ceremony signifies the beginning of the construction of the Mandir. The Vedic ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The occasion was also graced with the presence of His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community
Development and Member of the Executive Council, His Excellency Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills.
Also present were His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Vipul, the Consul General of India, and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd. After laying the foundation stones in position, water from the three main holy rivers of India was showered on the stones by His Holiness and the distinguished guests. The enthusiasm and devotion of all participants and volunteers was evident as they arrived for the Vedic ceremony. Continue reading “Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony”
Global, IndiaLeave a comment

River Ganges Initiative 2019 Kickstarts India’s Earth Day 2020 Plans

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A landmark citizen-led cleanup of the iconic River Ganges is to be launched by the Earth Day Network as part of worldwide plans to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

The initiative, which got underway on April 13 as part of Earth Day 2019,  began on Vaisakhi—the Hindu New Year for many in India —high in the Himalayan mountains at Devaprayag where two glacier-fed streams meet to form India’s most famous and sacred river.

This first phase will evolve over the next 15 months to encompass 100 cities and towns close to the Ganges—known as the Ganga in India– as it meanders to the famous Sunderbans Delta.

A Global Clean Up Movement

The launch of the first phase coordinated by Earth Day India and NGO partner Lok Paryavaran Shiksha Sansthan (LPSS), comes as major cleanups are planned during the month of April in countries across the globe including the United States, where more than 2,000 cleanups are taking place from American Samoa and Asheville North Carolina to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle and Honolulu.

Many of these are expected to join the even bigger 50th anniversary Great Global Cleanup planned for 2020.

Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network, said: Continue reading “River Ganges Initiative 2019 Kickstarts India’s Earth Day 2020 Plans”

GlobalLeave a comment

Canada & India stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka

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The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today condemned the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.“I was shocked and saddened to hear of the devastating terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, which have claimed the lives of more than two hundred people and injured many hundreds more. On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and my hope for a full recovery to those injured.

“Canada strongly condemns these heinous attacks on hotels and Christians at prayer in churches. Places of worship are sacred, where all should feel safe and secure. No one should be targeted because of their faith.

“For millions of people around the world, Easter is a time to reflect on Jesus’ message of compassion and kindness—a time to come together with friends and family. We cannot let attacks like these weaken the hope we share.

“To the people of Sri Lanka and other communities affected by today’s attacks: Canada stands with you. We will continue to work with you and other international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism and to promote greater peace and stability around the world.

“To date, we have no reports of any Canadian citizens being affected. Due to the current situation, our High Commission in Colombo will be closed on April 22. However, Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact sos@international.gc.ca or call +1 613 996 8885. Continue reading “Canada & India stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka”

Business, Community, SportsLeave a comment

Mississauga to Host 2021 Ontario Parasport Games

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The Ontario Parasport Games are coming to Mississauga in 2021. The announcement was made today by MPP Deepak Anand, Mississauga-Malton, at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre during a Parasport Try-It Day held for high school students from eight local schools.

“I am excited that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) has named Mississauga as host of the 2021 Ontario Parasport Games,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “An inclusive community gives everyone an opportunity to shine. The Ontario Parasport Games will help highlight Mississauga’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive programming for all. I look forward to welcoming these young athletes from across our great province in 2021.”

The Ontario Parasport Games are a part of the MTCS Games Ontario Program that include summer and winter Games for youth as well as the 55+ summer and winter Games. The 2021 Ontario Parasport Games will bring up to 400 athletes from across the province to compete in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball and sledge hockey. The Ontario Parasport Games are hosted every two years and will take place in the spring of 2021.

“The 2021 Ontario Parasport Games are an opportunity to come together as a community, and to celebrate the athletic excellence of our athletes. I am certain that Mississauga will deliver an exceptional experience for the athletes and their coaches, friends and families,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Continue reading “Mississauga to Host 2021 Ontario Parasport Games”

Business, Community, India, Reel SpinLeave a comment

IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada

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On April 18th, IFFSA Toronto unveiled an exciting lineup of films and events for this year’s festival, which runs from May 9th to May 20th. As a film festival, every year IFFSA’s attempt has been to surprise the film lovers, to take us on new adventures.

To begin with,   IFFSA, is over the moon to have the opportunity and honour to share some very special films, with their audiences, as part of our celebration of the ‘Hundred Years of Bengali Cinema’,

IFFSA Toronto is THE LARGEST SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA. In its 8th year now, the festival has become an international icon and the voice of South Asian cinema in Canada.

This 12+ day extravaganza showcases a diverse, language independent, selection of the best feature films, featurette films, short films, documentaries and music films from around the world, on themes of South Asian cultures and identities. In the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family”, a select number of foreign films are considered under Beyond South Asia segment.

In addition, the festival also features gala dinners, red carpet premiers, concerts, lounge parties, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities with government representatives, business leaders, local organizations that support film development, film stars, producers, directors, members of the media and more. Continue reading “IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada”

Business, Community, NationLeave a comment

‘Open for Business’ and ‘A Place to Grow’New Licence Plate and Driver’s Licence to Reflect Ontario’sOptimistic Future

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Renewed brand and visual identity to be delivered at no cost to taxpayers

This morning Ontario’s Government for the People introduced the updated personal and commercial licence plates along with a new driver’s licence design in Mississauga East-Cooksville. The new changes reflect a renewed government promise to put people first in everything it does. The licence plate and driver’s licence
renewal process will enhance the quality, design and production of both important products while saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

“I am so happy that our government for the people is keeping its promises. Today we announced this exciting new change in my riding of Mississauga East-Cooksville. We are renewing the licence plate and driver’s licence because it represents how we are renewing our entire approach to government, and ensuring we are putting people first,”
said Kaleed Rasheed Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville.

“Our government is embracing change because we recognize that the old established ways of working are no longer good enough.” Continue reading “‘Open for Business’ and ‘A Place to Grow’New Licence Plate and Driver’s Licence to Reflect Ontario’sOptimistic Future”

Nation, Reel SpinLeave a comment

We Got This: A Unique Blend of Pop Melodies

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Vibrant and culturally eclectic ensemble, Delhi 2 Dublin, are back with the release of their latest studio album We Got This (May 17, 2019 via Inside Pocket / Warner Music Canada). The album, produced by Toronto-based hitmaker Gavin Brown (Barenaked Ladies, Metric, Tragically Hip), offers a unique blend of energetic-pop melodies with the electronic pulse of warehouse raves, bringing a positive, colourful feeling to the socially aware messages expressed throughout.

The Vancouver-based band’s latest single “My People” speaks to their personal experiences as descendants of immigrants and paints a dynamic picture of them finding their artistic voices. The songs have an accessibility that you might compare to the songwriting of Bob Marley – speaking to the band’s own culture in the most personal way yet have depth and meaning to people of all cultures, backgrounds and ages.

The experience of making We Got This encouraged Delhi 2 Dublin to become creative storytellers, enabling listeners to relate to the messaging while dancing along to the Bhangra beats. And, of course, the songs are just as fun to listen to, filled with sing-along choruses, easy melodies and sharp production throughout.

Said vocalist Sanjay Seran, “the process of making this record was a bit of a departure from our beat-centric past and more of a journey into writing songs with a message that can really reach people. Continue reading “We Got This: A Unique Blend of Pop Melodies”

Lifestyle, Reel SpinLeave a comment

Mallika Sarabhai’s ‘The Colors of Her Heart’ – April 17, 2019 @ the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, NYC

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The Colors of Her Heart is a spell binding, dance-theatre-multimedia production, choreographed and directed by Mallika Sarabhai, that uses the haunting lyrics of British musician Samia Malik with the creativity visual imagery and story creating skills of Yadavan Chandran. On the stage, six women tell their poignant stories bringing awareness into the issue of gender inequality. 

What do all women across the world share as experiences? Whatever the color of their skins, whatever their language and culture, the single identity that leads to their exploitation and violence against them is their gender. With songs in Urdu and English, and stories that are both personal and universal, the heartful composition draws you into the world of women and their lives, dwelling on their experiences of vulnerability, love, pain, rejection, discrimination and violation. 

The ballet shifts between powerfully spoken monologues as accounts of the performers, group and solo dances, emotive pieces, even a ghazal that come together rhythmically with the bilingual live music by Samia Malik. The pieces reflect upon the common thread that binds all women, bringing together not just the stories of six women, but the pains, travails and victories of women of all nations. The Colors of Her Heart plays at The Ailey Citigroup Theatre on 405 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019. Continue reading “Mallika Sarabhai’s ‘The Colors of Her Heart’ – April 17, 2019 @ the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, NYC”

CommunityLeave a comment

Volunteers recognized as part of Excellence in Volunteering Awards ceremony

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Excellence in Volunteering recognizes individuals and groups for donating their time, energy and skills to enhance the lives of residents and clients in the City’s 10 long-term care homes and community programs.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Holyday (Councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke Centre) was joined by members of City Council at City Hall to honour volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering activities at the City’s long-term care homes.

Recipients of this year’s Excellence in Volunteering Awards are: Gordon Crutchley (Bendale Acres); Fran Axmith, Margaret Chan, Cindy Cheng, Esther Cheng, Bill Hu, Charmaine Lym, Mahrukh Mack, Lin Mu, Sally Woo, Agnes Yang and Alina Zhao (Carefree Lodge); Gizella Hudik (Castleview Wychwood Towers); Marlene Zeidenberg (Cummer Lodge); Neil Milne (Fudger House); Barbara Russell (Kipling Acres); Joshua Bonnici, Elizabeth Short  and Sherry Snow (Lakeshore Lodge); Eleanor McKendrick (Seven Oaks); Shirley Currie (True Davidson Acres); and Leila Morrison (Wesburn Manor).

The Divisional Excellence in Volunteering Award, given to an individual or group that volunteers at multiple homes or with several different programs, was presented to members of the Korean-Canada Family Ministry, under the leadership of Reverend Grace Kim. Continue reading “Volunteers recognized as part of Excellence in Volunteering Awards ceremony”

Articles, Community, Reel SpinLeave a comment

Blues Legend Lucky Peterson launches Kitchener Blues Festival!

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–Lachman Balani

 The cavernous up tempo bar and nightclub Elements in Kitchener was the scene for the launch party of the Kitchener Blues Festival this past weekend.

The Kitchener Blues Festival is one of the few tightly run annual music festivals in Ontario announcing its line-up way ahead of its scheduled event in August.

This 4 day festival in Kitchener spread over 3 stages boasts of having hosted some amazing acts in recent times such as Eric Burdon, Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, Foghat , Edgar Winter, Rik Emmett and many more! It is the go to event for blues and rock lovers in the neighbouring Greater Toronto Area.

Matt Weidinger opened the kickoff party setting the mood for the party-goers.

Following the opening band, Lucky Peterson from Buffalo and Kitchener homeboy Shawn Kellerman and his band sent the crowd into a dancing tizzy as both young and old folks got up to groove to the blues.

Shawn opened up with his band and Lucky joined in a couple of songs later and they all came together to play nonstop blues rock ramming one song into the next without missing a beat! It was incredible to see them play for a full hour with no break between songs! Continue reading “Blues Legend Lucky Peterson launches Kitchener Blues Festival!”