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Mississauga Gathers Dignitaries to Mark 90 Years of Canada-Japan Diplomatic Relations

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 The City of Mississauga hosted a reception at the Mississauga Civic Centre last week to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations.

The reception, hosted by Mayor Bonnie Crombie and the City’s Economic Development Office, was attended by Ms. Takako Ito, Consul General of Japan in Toronto, Members of City Council, as well as members of Mississauga’s Japanese business community.

“Mississauga shares a special, long-standing relationship with Japan that is deeply rooted in our shared values and strong economic ties. That’s why Mississauga is honoured to be hosting a reception to acknowledge 90 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” said Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga.

Mississauga is home to nearly 100 globally-respected, successful and innovative Japanese companies. This number represents almost half of all Japanese companies located in Ontario and more companies than any other city within Canada. Some recent additions to the list of Japanese companies in Mississauga are Eisai Limited, MHI Canada Aerospace, KinderKids, IKO Thompson Bearings Canada and Tohmei Industries.

The City’s Economic Development Office works closely with the Japanese business community to support their growth in Canada. Japanese companies provide a major economic boost to Mississauga in the life sciences, aerospace, information and communications technology, logistics and transportation, and various advanced manufacturing sectors. In three years, Japan has moved from the third to the second highest source of foreign direct investment to Mississauga, after the United States. Continue reading “Mississauga Gathers Dignitaries to Mark 90 Years of Canada-Japan Diplomatic Relations”

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JASHN- A LAVISH AFFAIRÉ raises the bar for South Asian Fashion Experience in Toronto!

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By N. Balani

The Greater Toronto Area fashion world was rocked by this one of a kind event held over the weekend at the Red Rose Convention centre In Mississauga.

Fashion brain and former Femina Miss India, Liza Varma teamed up with locals Sharad Lall Mathur and Rajiv Malhotra, to bring together the best in fashion design, models and global expertise. Top gun fashionistas Anju Modi, Shyamal and Bhumika , Satya Paul, Pallavi Jaikishan, Vikas Makhija, Jainee, Prarena Grover and Mohey-Manyavar creations  from India along with Mississauga-based designer Diinesh Ramsay,  Arpan Vohra from the London fashion scene, Rozzy Surii- a familiar face in the Canadian Fashion weeks of Vancouver and Calgary- plus many more graced the spectacular event.

The three day fashion extravaganza opened with a beautiful gala evening filled with dance, music, food and entertainment keeping true to its name Jashn – meaning a celebration. Apart from the elegant runway shows, this splendid affair had exhibits by luxury wedding planners like Vogue Wedding Company and luxury jewellery brands Art Karat and Red Dot amongst many others showcasing their designs and services throughout the weekend.

This event, one of the first of its kind aims to bring in the world of South Asian designers not just for a fashion show but to further Indo-Canadian ties and meld fashion industry with global business opportunities.

As Designer Shyamal put it “the bridal collections we showcase brings India to the world in the form of craft or couture with sensibility to the Western world- it is a kind of fusion”. Continue reading “JASHN- A LAVISH AFFAIRÉ raises the bar for South Asian Fashion Experience in Toronto!”

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GRAND HYATT KOCHI BOLGATTY OPENS IN KERALA, INDIA

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The Destination Resort Marks the First Grand Hyatt Hotel in South India

 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, the third Grand Hyatt branded hotel in India. The 264-room luxury hotel is a waterfront urban resort situated in Kochi in the south Indian state of Kerala, known for its palm-lined beaches, backwaters and historic Spice Route in India. With its striking architecture, dramatic landscapes, opulent guestrooms and suites, dining destinations, and one of the largest event spaces in South India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is expected to be an iconic destination for impressive views, unforgettable experiences and grand events in the city.

“We are delighted to introduce the Grand Hyatt brand to Kerala and grow our brand footprint in the region, said Sunjae Sharma, Hyatt’s vice president of operations for India. “Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is a spectacular destination resort setting a new standard for living grand in the city. Both inside and out, the hotel’s design, cuisine and grand experiences celebrate the hospitality of Kochi.

Designed by architects from Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo UK Limited, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is located near the historic and picturesque town of Fort Kochi. The resort is owned by Lulu Group International and is adjacent to the sprawling Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center, the largest in South India.

Together, the hotel and convention center offer an abundance of authentic experiences for guests, helping them create moments of more through several offerings, including:

Guestrooms

The hotel features 264 bold, luxurious guestrooms including 38 suites, comprised of 33 Grand Suites, four Executive Suites, and one Presidential Suite, as well as three two-bedroom villas and one three-bedroom villa. Continue reading “GRAND HYATT KOCHI BOLGATTY OPENS IN KERALA, INDIA”

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New Cultural Community Long-Term Care Home Approved in Mississauga

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On Friday, April 27th, the Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance and Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga South announced the Government of Ontario will award 320 new long-term care beds in Mississauga to a new partnership between Indus Community Services(Indus), Trillium Health Partners (THP) and Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care (Yee Hong).

“Our government is approving health care in Mississauga and throughout Ontario by increasing the number of long-term care beds in our communities. This investment will help alleviate wait times, and provide access to high-quality, culturally-appropriate professional care for seniors across the province” said the Minister.

This announcement is part of the province’s commitment to build 5,000 new long-term care beds by 2022 and more than 30,000 new beds over the next decade.

To address the region’s long-term care capacity challenges and to provide culturally appropriate care to the diverse community of Mississauga, Indus, THP and Yee Hong have come together to pursue a historic and innovative partnership to provide culturally appropriate long-term care with a specific focus on the Chinese, Asian and South Asian communities and transitional care.

“Mississauga is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. We are also home to an ageing population that deserves access to high-quality culturally appropriate health care. That’s why I am so pleased that the provincial government will be partnering with Indus, THP and Yee Hong to build a new long-term care facility and community hub in Mississauga that will improve the overall health and well-being of seniors in our community” , says Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

Continue reading “New Cultural Community Long-Term Care Home Approved in Mississauga”

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Mississauga Scores a Second Boxed Soccer Pitch for the Downtown Core

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The City of Mississauga is constructing a second outdoor boxed soccer pitch in the city’s downtown core — the second pitch of its kind in Canada. The new pitch will be located at Mississauga Valley Park  and will provide outdoor recreational opportunities to residents while promoting and encouraging informal soccer play.

“I’m excited for the installation of a second boxed soccer pitch for Ward 4 and our downtown,” said Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac. “Creating outdoor recreational spaces for residents, especially our youth, is important to the quality of life in densely populated areas of the city.  The new pitch, which will be just the second in Canada, arrives one year after the installation of the very first – also located here in Ward 4, in City Centre. Our second boxed soccer pitch will encourage residents to get outdoors and will help build a stronger, healthier and engaged community. For this, I am truly excited!”

City staff investigated the feasibility of installing an additional pitch at Mississauga Valley Park earlier this spring. With a high volume of park visitors, staff felt the highly-populated area with limited parkland would be the ideal location for the pitch.

“With the growing popularity of soccer in Mississauga, this second pitch is an opportunity to create a place where residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy watching or playing the game,” said Jodi Robillos, Acting Director, Parks and Forestry. “The City’s Downtown Growth Area Provision Strategy recommends the use of “pop-up” spaces to support healthy and active lifestyles.”

Under the pop-up sport concept, the pitch will not be formally programmed by the City but will continue to promote informal, drop-in soccer games. Continue reading “Mississauga Scores a Second Boxed Soccer Pitch for the Downtown Core”

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2018 New York Indian Film Festival(NYIFF): Limelight, Spotlight, Highlights !

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The 2018 edition of North America’s largest and longest-running Diaspora festival, NYIFF, will pay tribute to TWO Indian film industry icons who passed away in the last four months: Hollywood/Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor and the India’s first female superstar Sridevi. Kapoor’s tribute will comprise of two masterpieces from this year’s Academy Award Winner James Ivory’s wheelhouse: SHAKESPEARE WALLAH and HEAT AND DUST. The festival will also screen AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PRINCESS, starring New York author and chef Madhur Jaffrey, as part of its Merchant-Ivory Retrospective. To honor Sridevi’s memory, NYIFF will showcase the actress’ 2012 return to Bollywood in ENGLISH VINGLISH, shot primarily in New York City. Additionally, the festival, running from May 7th to 12th at the Village East Cinemas in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, will open with the U.S. premiere of Ravi Jadhav’s Marathi language film NUDE (with English subtitles) and close with the New York premiere of veteran NYIFF director Hansal Mehta’s biopic on Islamic fundamentalist Omar Saeed Sheikh, OMERTA. This year’s centerpiece slot will be occupied by Miransha Naik’s Konkoni language film JUZE (with English subtitles),making its North American premiere at NYIFF.The festival’s complete lineup will be revealed soon!

“NYIFF is known around the world for its top-notch, out-of-the-box programming, and this year is no different,” said founder Aroon Shivdasani. “The New York audience is sophisticated, well-traveled, educated and discerning; as such, our content reflects what we think will resonate with the cinephiles of this cosmopolitan city and will keep them coming back for more.” Continue reading “2018 New York Indian Film Festival(NYIFF): Limelight, Spotlight, Highlights !”

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Toronto School Board declares November “Hindu Heritage Month”

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Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in Canada has resolved that month of November each year be declared as Hindu Heritage Month.

TDSB Trustees, in their April meeting, passed a motion which included: Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate and educate all our students and school communities about this ancient and spiritual way of life.

It also said: Canadians of Hindu faith have greatly contributed to civic life in Canada for decades, and are a vibrant part of the growth and prosperity of Toronto, Ontario and Canada.

The motion also stated: Hinduism (or Sanathana Dharma) encompasses a broad range of…contributions to learning through mathematics, astronomy and science, and well-being through health practices such as yoga, meditation and a vegetarian diet.

Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

TDSB serves approximately 246,000 students in nearly 600 schools, besides over 140,000 life-long learners. Over 120 languages are spoken by TDSB students and their families. Dr. John Malloy and Robin Pilkey are Director and Trustees Chair respectively. Continue reading “Toronto School Board declares November “Hindu Heritage Month””

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JW Marriott and FOOD & WINE Announce Full Lineup of Star-Studded Talent for Venice Food & Wine Festival

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JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts and FOOD & WINE are thrilled to announce the addition of notable talent for the inaugural Venice Food & Wine Festival, including award-winning singer and songwriter Emeli Sandé, who will headline the festival’s grand finale concert. Culinary legends, Michelin-starred Chef Missy Robbins, food artist, baker and owner of Flour Shop Amirah Kassem, and Chef and Food Stylist Camille Becerra, have also joined the impressive roster of celebrated and established epicureans.

Tickets are available to the highly-anticipated Venice Food & Wine Festival, which will take place at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa from May 3-6. Hosted by FOOD & WINE Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis, the festival will join celebrity chefs, renowned winemakers, and epicurean insiders for a spectacular three-day weekend showcasing the finest Italian cuisines, wines, and spirits, with a focus on local Veneto traditions and the magnetism of the Venetian islands. Guests will have personal access to internationally-celebrated chefs and wine and spirits experts including:

  • Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Perbellini and chef Federico Belluco of JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa’s Michelin-starred Dopolavoro restaurant
  • James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef, author, restaurateur and 2004 FOOD & WINE Best New Chef Scott Conant
  • Michelin-starred chef and owner of Lilia Missy Robbins
  • Food artist, baker and owner of Flour Shop Amirah Kassem
  • 2002 FOOD & WINE Best New Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Fabio Trabocchi
  • James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman
  • Chef and food stylist Camille Becerra Continue reading “JW Marriott and FOOD & WINE Announce Full Lineup of Star-Studded Talent for Venice Food & Wine Festival”
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Prime Minister concludes successful trip to London

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During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, to grow the already strong economic and trade partnership between our two countries. The two leaders restated their commitment to a seamless transition on free trade as the UK exits the European Union.

They later participated in a security meeting, alongside the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, to discuss pressing international issues, including cybersecurity, the situation in Syria, and how we work together to keep our countries and communities safe.

While in London, the Prime Minister was received by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, where he thanked her personally for her continued dedication and service to Canada.

At an event hosted by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Aman Khan, and the Fawcett Society, Prime Minister Trudeau joined Mayor Khan, Prime Minister Ardern, and young people from across London to mark the 100th anniversary since the first women received the right to vote in the UK, and discuss the importance of gender equality.

At CHOGM, the Prime Minister underlined Canada’s commitment to address climate change, protect our oceans, and deliver economic growth that creates jobs and benefits everyone. He also reiterated the need to strengthen the Commonwealth’s role in protecting and promoting universal values of democracy, human rights – including LGBTQ2 rights – and the rule of law. Continue reading “Prime Minister concludes successful trip to London”

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MYSTIC INDIA: MAGICAL, MUSICAL, MESMERIZING!

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Ever so often, a great show that comes to town leaves an indelible impression on the audiences.  Recently, Cleveland witnessed “Mystic India: The World Tour” (“Mystic India”), a Bollywood dance spectacular.  The show, created and choreographed by Aatma Performing Arts’ founder Amit Shah, features renowned musicians, brilliant dancers, breathtaking aerialists and acrobats, and nearly 1,000 opulent costumes.

Namaste Newsline team had an opportunity to watch the show at the Playhouse Square last weekend.  The show was promoted by AIPNO (Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio) for a charitable cause.  One could feel the heightened sense of excitement in the air that evening.

The entire experience right from the outset, till the way to the grand finale was amazing.  If you’ve   never been to India, watching this show, would give you a feel for all things Indian! The show engrossed   the audience into India’s diverse culture!

The opening number, which was spiritual in nature, at the “temple”, before taking the audience on a regional tour of India.  There were enjoyable dances from regions like Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu!   The production also showcased dances from the Mughal period as well, and needless to say, a segment was devoted to Bollywood.

The stage effects and lighting enhanced the ambience of the show.  Kudos to the production for focusing on every detail to create the Mystic India experience. The choreographers utilized every inch of the stage, presenting the all the scenes very creatively.  In addition, the story teller, did a great job with his diction, which enhanced the experience. The fusion of dance, theatre and stunning visual effects is a magical, mystical merger of the old and new! Continue reading “MYSTIC INDIA: MAGICAL, MUSICAL, MESMERIZING!”