Issuu

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFEST YLE

Eesher

Singh Sarai

Basketball Court

Making History on the

UBC Sauder’s MBA

Ranking Raises Questions About

B.C.’s

Job

MARKET

The Power

of Belonging:

Fall

RATANA & ARRAN STEPHENS

Finding Community

this

A Life of Giving

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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PUBLISHERS̓ NOTE

W W W. K R A F T M O R T G A G E S . C O M

That idea of legacy continues throughout this edition. We commemorate 40 years since Moe Sihota’s historic election, revisiting the barriers he broke and the doors his journey opened. We also introduce you to young achievers Eesher Singh Sarai, making history on the basketball court, and Jasleen Sandhu, building belonging through lacrosse, and many more.

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Hello DARPAN readers, There’s something about September that always feels like a fresh start. Summer begins to soften into fall, children head back to school, routines return, and we find ourselves settling into a new rhythm. Our September–October issue arrives at just that moment, with stories about community, legacy, opportunity, and the people helping shape what comes next. Our cover story celebrates Arran and Ratana Stephens, whose remarkable journey is rooted not only in entrepreneurial success, but in a deeply held belief in giving back. Their philanthropic contributions to British Columbia, particularly their historic support for medical education, speak to a philosophy that has guided their lives for decades: success carries with it the opportunity to serve others. Their story is a beautiful reminder that the greatest legacy is often what we leave behind for generations we may never meet.

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As families return to school-year routines, What Teachers Wish Parents Knew offers some timely perspective. We also look at issues affecting Canadians right now, from international graduates facing PGWP refusals to the increasingly complicated question of whether it makes more sense to rent or buy. We shine a spotlight on Dr. Mithu Alur who made sure disabled kids in India were treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone around them. The magazine also packs in Chef Rahul Negi's delicious recipes and Jayanti Reddy's The Gilded Era collection. And behind the scenes, we’re busy preparing for one of our favorite nights of the year! The 16th edition of the DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards return on October 2, bringing our community together to celebrate exceptional South Asians and the stories that make us proud. We cannot wait to welcome you for another memorable evening of achievement, connection, and celebration. Until then, enjoy the changing season — and happy reading!

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2026 C O N T E N T S

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

LIFESTYLE

COVER STORY

DARPAN FEATURE

DARPAN BEAUTY

30 Prescribed But Not in a Bottle: The Rise of Social Prescribing

92 A Lighter Touch: Makeup That Flatters as You Age

52 The New Wave Of Youth Activism

DARPAN MOVIES

56 UBC Sauder’s MBA Ranking Raises Questions About B.C.’s Job Market

96 Bollywood Calendar: Films Set to Light Up the Big Screen

60 What Teachers Wish Parents Knew 66 Caught in the Middle International Graduates Protest PGWP Refusals

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 DARPAN 10

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

72 Rent or Buy? Canada’s Housing Cooldown Making the Choice Harder

Mayor Brenda Locke

12 Moe Sihota

DARPAN SALUTES

18 Jasleen Sandhu

22 Zohra Khawaja 26 Eesher Singh Sarai

BUSINESS PROFILES 42 Progress for Langley 44 ParaMorph Architecture

76 How Dr. Mithu Alur Changed the Conversation Around Disability in India DARPAN FITNESS 78 The Power of Belonging: Finding Community This Fall

100 Beyond the Jeep Safari: Extraordinary Wildlife Experiences Around the World 106 - DARPAN CRUISER DARPAN AUTO 108 2026 Lexus GX 550 110 2026 MINI Cooper Convertible 112 2026 Mazda CX90 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS 114 Meet the Thakur Family

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1 As you seek another term, what do you believe are the three strongest reasons Surrey residents should give you another four years as mayor?

My Surrey Connect Team and I have delivered 140 more police officers in 2025, a $250,000 extortion-reward fund, and a clear plan to add hundreds more public-safety staff. Second, we advanced a record $1.6 billion in capital projects: the Newton Community Centre, major roads, and the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, while cutting the average housing permit wait time from 16 weeks under Doug McCallum to four weeks under my administration. Third, we kept tax increases among the region’s lowest while growing jobs and fighting for fairer Metro Vancouver representation. 2 Looking back, where do you believe

the city has made the most progress, and where do you acknowledge there is still significant work to be done? We made significant progress on housing approvals, road and sidewalk delivery, and moving along the police transition. Permit times dropped sharply, and we delivered major capital projects like the Cloverdale Sport and Ice Complex. Our Surrey Connect Team funded 140 new police officers in 2025 alone, and we have a plan to hire 560 additional public safety personnel over the next five years. Not just police, but bylaws, fire and other support staff who can address a spectrum of public safety issues. 3 Your opponents have criticized increases in property taxes during your term. You’ve said freezing taxes would mean cutting services and staffing. How do you strike the right balance between keeping taxes manageable and funding the services Surrey needs?

PICTURE COURTESY:SURREY.CA

Freezing taxes while Surrey’s population and demand for services continue to grow forces service cuts or deferred maintenance that costs more later. During Doug McCallum’s last term, we saw capital projects deferred and a hiring freeze that meant no police officers or firefighters were hired. That is reckless, and I won’t allow that to happen under my watch. The balance is disciplined spending, process efficiencies, senior-government partnerships, and growing the tax base so existing residents are not overburdened. 4 Public safety continues to weigh heavily. If re-elected, what more would you like to see done at the municipal level?

DARPAN

mandate. 7 What is your vision for ensuring Surrey grows into a complete city rather than simply a bigger one?

BRENDA LOCKE MAYOR OF SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA Mayor Brenda Locke is seeking re-election this October 17, 2026, campaigning to continue the progress made by Surrey Connect over the past four years. justice outcomes will help residents and shop owners feel safer. 5 The new 10,000-seat arena is one of the biggest projects being undertaken by the city. Why do you believe this is the right investment at this point?

Every major city has a major arena. With a population of 740,000, it’s time Surrey had one as well. That’s why we are building the 10,000-seat City Centre arena, which sits across from City Hall and SkyTrain, secured through an independently appraised land swap. At a $360-million net cost, it will host the Vancouver Giants, concerts and events, generate projected $2.4 billion in benefits, and stop exporting Surrey’s entertainment spending to other cities. Residents of Surrey should be able to experience world-class entertainment in their own city. 6 You have been vocal that Surrey does not receive adequate representation within Metro Vancouver. What specifically needs to change, and why should this matter to residents?

Surrey’s population and growth are not matched by real influence at Metro Vancouver. The weighted voting system falls far short of proportional representation. We certainly don’t need a Mayor and Council Belcarra, with under 1,000 people, still gets who will freeze taxes and require cuts to a guaranteed vote while we remain underspending on public safety. What we need is a represented. Capping directors at three does team who will complete our multi-year publicnothing to fix that. We need governance that safety plan: hundreds more police, firefighters reflects actual population, ends scope-creep, and bylaw officers, expanded public safety controls costs, and delivers transparency. That facilities in City Centre, South Surrey and is why we called for a public inquiry. This Cloverdale, a new police training campus, and matters because regional overruns and unfair better tools against extortion and organized decisions land straight on Surrey tax and crime. Stronger local partnerships with utility bills. Residents deserve a real seat at the businesses, clearer performance reporting, and table and a Metro that gets back to its core continued pressure on the province for faster SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM 10

A complete city pairs new housing with the roads, transit, parks, recreation centers and public-safety facilities people need every day. We have expanded parks and recreation infrastructure, advanced the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, major road projects and the Newton Community Centre, and expanded police and fire capacity. My vision is to keep that momentum: finish the infrastructure already underway, and deliver parks and infrastructure in growing neighborhoods so Surrey becomes more livable, not just larger. 8 What do you believe your administration has delivered that Surrey residents can see and feel today? My team and I have made record investments in infrastructure across Surrey. $1.6 billion in investment to be exact. These investments, many of which are complete, include road widenings on 16 Ave, 24 Ave, 32 Ave, 64 Ave, 80 Ave, 132 St, 140 St, 152 St, 192 St. We are widening and extending 72 Ave to create a new east-west connection across Surrey. We have added new parks, advanced major projects like the Newton Community Centre and Cloverdale Sport and Ice Complex, and we’re just getting started. When re-elected, we are building three new ice sheets in South Surrey and a new Aquatic Centre for Cloverdale and Clayton. Residents already see faster housing approvals, new sidewalks and roads, SkyTrain construction, recreation projects, more police officers, and comparatively moderate tax increases. 9 What is the biggest commitment you are prepared to make to voters for a second term?

My biggest commitment for a second term is finishing the public safety buildout and delivering the major projects already underway so people experience a safer, better-served and more complete city. We are delivering for Surrey, and we are doing it while keeping taxes amongst the lowest in the region. 10 Your political opponents have questioned the city's financial management. How do you respond to those criticisms, and what assurances can you give taxpayers?

We have a solid record. Staffing at City Hall is lean: despite having a similar population to us, Vancouver has over 11,000 city staff while Surrey has less than 5,000. We have kept tax rates among the lowest in the region. Doug McCallum should really take a look in the mirror. His last term was complete chaos, and he delivered very little for our city. He did sell off hundreds of acres of city land and froze the hiring of police officers. He promised a 0% tax increase, but still raised taxes. I will take my record over McCallum’s any day.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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eader's ons

Write to us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

What a fun read! This brought back some crazy memories. I practically grew up watching Jasmeet Raina as Jus Reign, so seeing how far he’s come while still being so unapologetically himself is amazing. There was a whole generation of us quoting those videos! Loved getting to know the person and journey behind all those laughs. – Sukhpreet Bains Re: We felt the nostalgia putting this one together too! Jasmeet has been part of so many memories for an entire generation, and watching his creativity evolve has been incredible. We’re so glad the cover brought back some good ones for you! – DARPAN Magazine

Tag us on social media: @DarpanMagazine & #DarpanMagazine

This one really warmed my heart. It’s so inspiring to see people from our community doing well here and then turning around to help apne people back home, especially in places where that support is still so badly needed. We need more stories like Deep Shergill’s. They remind you that success means so much more when you use it to help someone else. – Sal Kaur Re: Beautifully said! It’s exactly why we wanted to share Deep’s story. There are so many people quietly doing incredible work for communities both here and back home, and we feel privileged to give some of those stories a platform – DARPAN Magazine

What a beautiful read. As an immigrant, Canada can be home while another part of your heart will always belong somewhere else. It’s such a complicated feeling, and this article captured it beautifully. – Ketan Jain Re: This is exactly what we hoped readers would feel. For so many immigrant families, “home” isn’t one place or the other; somehow, it becomes both. Thank you for sharing this with us! – DARPAN Magazine

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

PICTURES COURTESY: FAHAD PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, BCNDP.CA, REDFM.CA

he best Environment Minister B.C.’s ever had,” declared CKNW’s Rafe Mair. The Victoria Times Colonist called him “one of the most effective opposition politicians in recent years,” while the Financial Post described him simply as “one of the party’s bright lights.” The words come from old election pamphlets carefully kept by Munmohan Singh Sihota—better known to British Columbians as Moe Sihota— slightly aged now, but still carrying the story of a young politician beginning to make his mark on the province.

By Ancy Mendonza

A Historic Win, A Lasting Legacy:

MOE SIHOTA

40 Years On 12

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Moe Sihota is a pioneering Punjabi-Canadian politician, a charismatic and visionary leader who earned his place in history as the first South Asian elected to a provincial legislature in Canada. Proudly bridging his Punjabi heritage and Canadian roots, he became known to many as a “Son of Punjab,” particularly for championing the introduction of Punjabi language education in B.C. schools. His commanding presence, practical approach to governance, and ability to connect with people set him apart. Even decades later, Sihota remains a respected and much-loved political figure and trailblazer, someone who earned the trust of blue-collar workers while commanding equal respect within the business community." Harjinder Thind

Veteran Broadcast Journalist & Talk Show Host, RED FM Vancouver This October marks 40 years since Sihota’s historic election to the B.C. Legislature in 1986. It was a win that made him the first Canadian of South Asian descent elected to a provincial legislature, and one that would eventually lead to another first: becoming Canada’s first South Asian provincial cabinet minister. Yet, speaking to Sihota four decades later, it is clear that the “firsts” were never quite how he measured his own journey. In fact, he admits that talking about himself makes him uncomfortable. Even now, when people ask him to write a book about his life in politics, he hesitates. Perhaps, he jokes, a collection of interviews around this 40th anniversary will have to substitute for one. Born in 1955 and raised in Lake Cowichan, Sihota’s politics began long before he ever entered the legislature. His grandfather arrived in Canada in 1907; his father and father-in-law followed in the 1930s. Lake Cowichan was a small, working-class forestry community, and the stories Sihota heard growing up were those of immigrant men who worked difficult, often dangerous jobs while facing discrimination. “I was born into a working-class family and a working-class community,” he says, “but I was also born into a working-class political ideology.” That

perhaps explains much of what came later. After studying social work at UBC and law at the University of Victoria, and practicing law in Esquimalt, Sihota entered municipal politics before winning Esquimalt-Port Renfrew for the BC NDP in 1986. He remembers that election night vividly, but not because he knew he was making history. His constituency was overwhelmingly Caucasian, with, as he

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recalls, perhaps only a dozen Indian families. When he arrived at the hall to deliver his victory speech, roughly 1,500 people were waiting. As the cheering continued, Sihota looked around the room and noticed something along its edges: elderly Indo-Canadians, some he recognized from Vancouver Island. It was in their faces, he says, that the meaning of the night finally registered: “This was just more than an election of an individual.”

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT There had, of course, been barriers. During the 1986 campaign, former B.C. premier Dave Barrett advised Sihota to get on the radio early. Once people heard him speak about working-class issues, Barrett told him, “the color evaporates.” Sihota says the advice proved right. But he is also quick to put his own experience into perspective: whatever he encountered, the generations before him had endured far worse: “My obligation was to make sure that what they endured was not repeated.” Over the next 15 years in the legislature, Sihota built a political career that went well beyond representation. As Environment Minister, he helped create more than 200 new provincial parks, changed the way B.C.’s forests were managed and introduced some of the country’s strongest clean-air regulations. As Labour Minister, he extended workers’ compensation coverage to farm workers— something he felt strongly about because so many South Asians worked in agriculture without the same protection if they were injured. But ask what people from the community still stop him to talk about, and another achievement comes up repeatedly: bringing Punjabi instruction into B.C. schools. For Sihota, language was never merely academic. “The protection of language is so important to pro-

tecting your culture and your traditions and maintaining your sense of identity,” he says. The policy extended to Punjabi, Mandarin and Japanese, recognizing both the cultural importance of those languages and Canada's growing relationship with Asia. And at home, there was Jessie. Sihota makes a point of mentioning his wife and the support that sustained a demanding life in public office. “There is no way you can succeed in political life if you don’t have a partner who provides you the support,” he says. “I’ve been blessed in that.” Four decades on, perhaps the most striking thing is how little Sihota

talks about legacy as something belonging solely to him. Today, South Asians occupy cabinet tables, legislatures, courtrooms and boardrooms across Canada. Sihota sees a connection, but never claims the road began with him. His generation, he says, simply “pierced the veil”—benefiting from those who came before and creating more room for those who followed. Politics remains part of his life. He still offers advice, follows public affairs closely and, despite years away from elected office, is pleasantly surprised by how often people remember him. But these days, another role brings him a very different kind of joy:

I grew up on the Island, and my grandfather volunteered on Moe Sihota’s campaigns. At the time, it was almost unimaginable that someone from the South Asian community could be elected to public office. When Moe did it, he opened people’s minds to the possibility that they belonged here and could have a role in shaping and improving their communities. He remains one of the most influential elected officials from our community in Canada. His allies love him, his political opponents fear him, but they all respect him, and that is a rare quality in public life. As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have someone like Moe who paved the way for so many of us.” Hon. Ravi Kahlon

B.C.'s Minister of Health & MLA for North Delta

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

ARE YOU IN DEBT?

I represent LangfordHighlands, the same region Moe Sihota represented in the legislature, so it is incredibly meaningful for me to follow in his footsteps. Moe broke the glass ceiling for South Asians, not just in British Columbia, but across Canada. He will be remembered for his selfless service and his ability to get big things done for his community and the region. Forty years later, I know I am only able to be in the position I am today because of a stalwart like Moe, who paved the way for people like myself and so many others to serve.” Hon. Ravi Parmar

B.C.'s Minister of Forests, Deputy Government House Leader & MLA for Langford-Highlands being a grandfather. Away from cabinet tables, campaigns and the weight of being “the first,” time with his granddaughter, Maya, has given Sihota the chance to rediscover something much simpler. After a life spent opening doors for others, perhaps there is something wonderfully fitting about Moe Sihota finding his greatest joy today not in looking back at history, but in experiencing the world anew through the generation ahead.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

“

Because of course, I can’t just hope that one day the sport will become more inclusive, You have to be the change you wish to see.”

PICTURES COURTESY: JASLEEN SANDHU, DARPAN MAGAZINE

JASLEEN SANDHU Breaking Borders, Building Belonging Through Lacrosse

By Tuhina Ghoshal

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

or Jasleen Sandhu, lacrosse has always been more than a game. It has been a test of perseverance, a source of confidence, and ultimately, a way to create the sense of belonging she once struggled to find. Growing up in Surrey, Sandhu tried several sports before discovering lacrosse in Grade 5. She was immediately drawn to its speed and the challenge of learning a completely new set of skills. “I just really liked being challenged and the speed of the game,” she says. “Even at the level I’m at now, you can always get better.” But while her love for lacrosse grew, her confidence did not always keep pace. For much of her youth career, Sandhu was the only South Asian player-and often the only person of color-on her team. “I knew that I had to work double as hard just to get the same opportunity,” she recalls. The impact went beyond feeling different. Sandhu says she sometimes worried that mistakes would be judged differently, causing her to hold back during games despite having the skills to compete at a high level. By Grade 10, she was questioning whether she should continue playing a sport she loved. What kept her going was a goal: playing university lacrosse. “I wasn’t going

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

to let anyone or how anyone made me feel impact that,” she says. Her parents played a major role in helping her persevere. They never forced her to continue but reminded her of the work she had already put in and encouraged her to recognize her own ability. Their message was simple: be a leader, not a follower. That mindset eventually helped Sandhu reach the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s lacrosse team. Reaching the university level gave her a new sense of confidence and proved to her that she had earned her place. It also helped spark a larger purpose. In 2025, Sandhu founded Breaking Borders Lacrosse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing lacrosse to South Asian and other BIPOC communities across the Lower Mainland. Through camps, mentorship, awareness, and education, the organization aims to break down the barriers that prevent young people from discovering the sport. For Sandhu, the lack of South Asian representation is not necessarily the result of exclusion. More often, she believes, it comes down to exposure. “Just because this isn’t a sport that’s played often or one that we think about too much, kids never really go home and tell their parents they want to play lacrosse,” she explains. Breaking Borders brings the game directly into communities, giving children an opportunity to hold a stick, learn the basics, and imagine themselves playing the sport at a higher level. “Be-

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

“

I hope that when they look at me running this, they can finally see themselves in a sport and see themselves somewhere where they belong.”

cause of course, I can’t just hope that one day the sport will become more inclusive,” Sandhu says. “You have to be the change you wish to see.” Her programs have already introduced hundreds of young people to lacrosse through partnerships with organizations including KidsPlay and the Surrey Warriors Lacrosse Association. One moment in particular stayed with her: an eight-year-old participant who, after less than an hour of playing, asked whether he could keep his stick and continue learning. His enthusiasm reinforced what Sandhu had begun to understand- that sometimes exposure is all it takes to open a door. Her first Breaking Borders Lacrosse Summer Camp at the Cloverdale Athletic Park this summer represented another step forward. The free camp for children ages five to 12 combined lacrosse instruction with education about the sport’s Indigenous origins as the “Creator’s Game.” For Sandhu, that history is essential. While lacrosse is now often perceived as a predominantly white sport, its roots belong to Indigenous peoples in Canada. She believes young players should understand not only how to play the game, but why it exists and whose traditions shaped it. She also wants the sport’s future to be more representative. Sandhu believes Canadian lacrosse needs to focus not only on advancing athletes already in the system, but on bringing new communities into the game at the elementary-school level. “If we could reach more youth, we

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

could really make some big change,” she says. Balancing university athletics at U of T with running a nonprofit has demanded discipline, but Sandhu says passion makes the workload meaningful. She sees Breaking Borders not as an obligation, but as something she is grateful to do. Her ambitions extend beyond British Columbia. Over the next five years, she hopes to expand Breaking Borders to Toronto, establish multiple camps throughout the year, build partnerships with organizations such as MLSE LaunchPad, and eventually bring lacrosse programming into elementary schools. Ultimately, her goal is deeply personal. “I hope that when they look at me running this, they can finally see themselves in a sport and see themselves somewhere where they belong.” For Sandhu, representation is not simply about seeing more South Asian athletes on the field. It is about creating the confidence to step onto it in the first place. Her message to South Asian families is equally clear: “Just because you don’t see yourself there doesn’t mean you don’t belong.” And perhaps that is the border Sandhu is most determined to break.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

“

PICTURES COURTESY: ZOHRA KHAWAJA, INSTAGRAM.COM/HEARTSAGAINSTHOMELESSNESS/

There are a lot of defensive measures put in place already, such as shelters or food banks, that are amazing. But the stigma surrounding homelessness can be a barrier in accessing those resources, both because people may not feel comfortable or they simply do not know about them.”

W By Naina Grewal

TURNING COMPASSION INTO CHANGE:

ZOHRA

KHAWAJA’S MISSION TO PREVENT YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

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hen Zohra Khawaja thinks about the experience that changed how she understood homelessness, she remembers a friend who was afraid to ask for help. Her friend was experiencing homelessness, and Khawaja wanted to help but had no idea where to begin. Her friend was so afraid of people knowing about her situation that she chose to sleep on a sidewalk rather than go to a shelter. “I remember both her fear and mine, which stemmed from a common lack of knowledge about homelessness in general,” Khawaja recalls. “I had no idea how to help her, and she had no idea where to go for support.” That experience became the starting point for Hearts Against Homelessness (HAH), a youth-led nonprofit organization based in Surrey, British Columbia, focused on supporting unhoused youth and young people living in local shelters. Khawaja founded the organization while she was in Grade 10. What began as a teenager trying to help someone close to her has since grown into

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an initiative operating in 10 countries and working with 18 community organizations. Yet Khawaja never set out to build an organization of that size. Her goal was simply to make a difference. “I wouldn't say I have a secret formula, unfortunately!” she says of building HAH while balancing high school. “It takes a lot of trial and error, missed meetings, and failed events to get to a point where you feel like you have some semblance of experience.” The work required a major commitment, but Khawaja believes one of her strengths was that she never began with the expectation that HAH had to become a large organization. She wanted to help, and the reach grew naturally. “I just wanted to make a difference, and it slowly snowballed into more and more reach and impact,” she says. At the heart of HAH is a focus on preventing homelessness before young people reach the streets. Khawaja recognizes the importance of shelters, food banks, and other services that support people already experiencing homelessness, but believes more attention needs to be directed toward prevention. “There are a lot of defensive measures put in place already, such as shelters or food banks, that are amazing,” she explains. “But the stigma surrounding homelessness can be a barrier in accessing those resources, both because people may not feel comfortable or they

simply do not know about them.” For young people, she says, becoming unhoused can also create a difficult cycle to escape. Youth can become trapped in the community and continue experiencing homelessness into adulthood. HAH therefore focuses on reaching young people earlier, when support and information may help prevent a crisis. In fact, some of Khawaja's most meaningful moments have come from seeing that work directly impact people. During the past holiday season, she was able to shop for personalized care packages for young people, an experience she describes as some of the best shopping she has ever done. Now, the young trailblazer hopes to build on HAH's preventative work through a new database that will connect young people with housing and support resources. She believes this is particularly important at a time when many organizations are already providing services to those who are unhoused. “There are so many organizations doing

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

amazing work on the defensive side, so I believe focusing on the offensive while there are not a lot of resources available right now is super important,” Khawaja highlights. That same sense of responsibility has shaped Khawaja’s approach to leadership, including the support she received from her parents. When she first started HAH, they encouraged her to take responsibility rather than stepping in to manage it for her. “I think it was super important that they fully let me fend for myself when I started HAH,” she points out. “It was my decision and my responsibility.”

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Contact Us Now for All Your Insurance and Investment Strategies That leadership has also earned significant recognition. Khawaja was named a recipient of the 2026 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, which recognizes young Canadians for humanitarianism, community leadership, academic excellence and athletic involvement. The honor had an unexpected connection to her high school years. Khawaja first encountered the award through a Grade 11 classroom assignment that involved completing a mock application. She later decided to apply for the real award, building on the application she had already completed. When she learned she had been selected, she was overwhelmed. Even reaching the interview stage had felt like a significant achievement for her, making the recognition all the more meaningful. The award comes as Khawaja begins another chapter. She is now in Ontario, where she is studying Business Management at Western University, specializing in finance. Her long-term goal is to work in social venture capital, supporting startups that create value for both business and society, before eventually starting her own firm. She plans to continue her involvement with Hearts Against Homelessness alongside her studies. Khawaja’s journey began with one friend who did not know where to turn. Years later, that experience has grown into an international effort to make sure other young people have somewhere to turn before they reach the same point. Undoubtedly, the lesson is not necessarily that every young person needs to build a global organization. It is that meaningful change can begin with simply caring enough to act.

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EESHER SINGH SARAI MAKING HISTORY ON THE BASKETBALL COURT By Naina Grewal

PICTURES COURTESY: EESHER SARAI, ROYAL PHOTO STUDIO

eet Eesher Singh Sarai, the first Canadian turbaned Sikh player to commit to NCAA Division I basketball, signing with Winthrop University in South Carolina. The 6-foot-9 forward is only the second turbaned Sikh player in modern Division I men’s basketball history. For Sarai, basketball was never part of the original plan. Growing up in Surrey, he was a serious ice hockey player with dreams of going far as a goalie. Basketball was simply something he played for fun on his school team. Then, in Grade 9, he started dunking in games and realized he might have an opportunity to take the sport much further. “It was when I was in Grade 9 that I was able to start dunking in games that I realized that I was a bit of an outlier to my competition,” Sarai recalls. That realization eventually led him from Surrey to prep schools in the United States, through college basketball, and now to Winthrop University.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

“

To be the first to do something gives you a great sense of accomplishment, although I try not to be too satisfied by it as I have aspirations to do more than just sign Division I." 28

Sarai’s route to Division I was anything but straightforward. After graduating high school, he committed to a basketball prep school in Florida competing in The Grind Session, a competitive league that has featured numerous NBA prospects. He also played with Grassroots Elite, an AAU program known for developing high-level talent. Halfway through his prep year, he transferred to a school in Seattle, where he had more opportunities to play in front of college coaches. “I realized that Division I is my new goal to pursue,” he says. His first college stop was Ellsworth Community College in Iowa, where he entered the NJCAA. The freshman season was difficult. Sarai averaged just four points per game and felt he was not contributing to his team at the level he knew he could. Instead of becoming discouraged, he turned the setback into motivation. “I felt that I wasn’t able to help impact winning for our team while I was on the court,” he says. During the offseason, he focused heavily on strength and conditioning, lifting weights four to five times a week while continuing to develop his basketball skills. The work paid off. In his sophomore season, Sarai started every game, averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game, and helped Ellsworth reach the NJCAA national championship game. He earned All-Tournament Team recognition at the national tournament, along with All-Defensive Team honors. His performance eventually caught the attention of Division I programs, leading to his scholarship with Winthrop. One of the biggest areas of development for Sarai has been his threepoint shooting. Starting basketball later than many of his peers meant he had to work particularly hard to refine his shooting mechanics. “The part of my game that I worked my hardest to develop was my three-point shooting,” he highlights. That dedication produced results, with Sarai shooting 44 percent from threepoint range in conference play during his most recent season. “I take a lot of pride in being able to shoot,” he shares, adding that seeing the work finally translate into results was especially rewarding. Sarai’s breakthrough carries

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significance beyond statistics and scholarships. The star athlete understands that he is entering territory where few have gone before. “To be the first to do something gives you a great sense of accomplishment, although I try not to be too satisfied by it as I have aspirations to do more than just sign Division I,” he says. The achievement is something he is proud to share with his parents, who supported him throughout the journey. “I was extremely happy that I was able to do it for my parents due to the countless hours that they put in to help me get to where I am today.” That support has been echoed by the wider community, with Sarai receiving countless messages from people congratulating him and expressing how proud they were. His accomplishments have extended beyond basketball as well. At Ellsworth, he received awards for Excellence in Humanities and Outstanding Business Student, in addition to the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Balancing academics with basketball has required another kind of discipline. During the season, his days can begin with early morning shooting before classes and continue through practice, weight training, recovery, and another basketball workout in the evening. Social activities often take a back seat. For Sarai, it is a sacrifice worth making. Sarai is studying business finance and hopes to become an investment banker after his playing career, while con-

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tinuing to pursue his goal of becoming a professional basketball player. In fact, he also wants to challenge the stereotype that basketball players are not academically driven. His own experience has shown him otherwise, with many of his teammates excelling in the classroom alongside their athletic commitments. From a Surrey school gym to prep basketball in Florida and Seattle, from a difficult freshman season to an NJCAA national championship appearance, Sarai has built his journey one step at a time. Now, as he prepares to take the court at Winthrop, he has already made history. Undoubtedly, for Sarai, being the first is only the beginning. His next goal is not simply to break barriers, but to keep improving, pursue professional basketball, and show the next generation of young athletes that the path to the highest level can begin anywhere.

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DARPAN FEATURE

Prescribed But Not in a Bottle:

THE RISE OF SOCIAL PRESCRIBING By Natasha D’souza

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, DR. NIVEDITA PATEL, MAIMOONA BATOOL

Imagine leaving a healthcare appointment with a prescription you cannot pick up at a pharmacy. Instead, it could lead you to a walking group, a nature program, volunteering, food or housing support, or an activity that connects you with others.

his is called Social Prescribing, an emerging approach gaining ground across Canada that broadens the idea of what healthcare can address. “Social Prescribing helps healthcare providers connect people with non-medical, community supports and local programs, such as walking groups, nature programs, food resources, housing resources, volunteering or social activities, based on what matters to them. It complements clinical care by addressing the social, lifestyle, and financial factors that strongly influence health and wellbeing,” explains Dr. Nivedita Patel, clinical lead- social prescribing, Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team.

Bridging The Gap Community programs themselves are not new. What is different is creating an intentional pathway between them and healthcare. Rather than simply advising someone to become more active or seek support, a healthcare provider can identify a non-medical need and help connect that

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person with an appropriate community resource. “I think the potential is in making that connection easier and more intentional. We already have community centers, recreation programs, support groups, newcomer services, volunteer opportunities and many other resources, but people may not know what exists, what is appropriate for them, or how to access it,” says Registered Psychotherapist Maimoona Batool.

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"Social Prescribing helps healthcare providers connect people with nonmedical, community supports and local programs, such as walking groups, nature programs, food resources, housing resources, volunteering or social activities, based on what matters to them." - Dr. Nivedita Patel Clinical Lead- Social Prescribing, Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team

Care That Fits the Person

The Impact Beyond the Clinic Across Canada, Social Prescribing is moving from concept to practice. One of the country’s first major pilots, Rx: Community, reached more than 1,100 clients across 11 community health centers, with participants reporting improvements in mental health, loneliness, and their sense of connection and belonging. In British Columbia, the approach has also been expanding. Social Prescribing began as a demonstration project at roughly 20 sites in 2020 and has since continued to develop, including models that use community connectors to help people navigate and access local support. The province has also explored Social Prescribing specifically for older adults, linking healthcare with community-based services and activities.

“The research so far is encouraging, particularly around mental wellbeing, loneliness and social connection, although the evidence is still developing,” says Batool. The approach, however, is not intended to replace clinical treatment. “Social Prescribing is not a replacement for psychotherapy, medication or other mental health treatment when those are needed. I see it more as another layer of support that addresses something clinical treatment alone may not be able to provide: meaningful connection in a person’s everyday life,” explains Batool. Its potential extends further. Seniors experiencing isolation, caregivers, people managing chronic conditions or those facing food and housing insecurity may all have needs that cannot be addressed through medical treatment alone.

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There is no universal social prescription. What works depends on an individual’s circumstances, needs, and interests. For newcomers, including South Asians building new lives in Canada, that personalized approach can also help overcome barriers to connection. “Newcomers may face language barriers, unfamiliarity with local services, separation from extended family, and difficulty rebuilding social networks. Social Prescribing can provide a trusted pathway to culturally relevant community groups, language and settlement support, recreational activities, volunteering, and other opportunities to develop a sense of belonging,” says Patel. Patel also emphasizes the importance of programs being culturally relevant and accessible, including addressing practical barriers such as cost, transportation, and childcare.

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DARPAN FEATURE

From Promise to Practice The bigger question now is how Social Prescribing moves from individual initiatives into a more accessible part of healthcare across Canada. “Currently there are lots of great programs, but it seems everyone is working in silos,” says Patel. “We need to move beyond isolated programs toward sustained funding and integration into routine care. This includes clear referral pathways, dedicated community navigators or link workers, up-to-date directories of local resources, and strong partnerships between healthcare, social services and community organizations,” explains Patel. Consistent evaluation will also be important to understand its impact on wellbeing, equity, healthcare use, and patient experience.

“Social Prescribing is not a replacement for psychotherapy, medication or other mental health treatment when those are needed. I see it more as another layer of support that addresses something clinical treatment alone may not be able to provide: meaningful connection in a person’s everyday life.”

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

- Maimoona Batool Registered Psychotherapist

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Rethinking What Makes Us Well Social Prescribing ultimately reflects a wider shift in how health is understood. Housing, finances, relationships, physical activity, purpose and community can influence wellbeing long after someone leaves a healthcare appointment. “As a Registered Psychotherapist with a background in healthcare, I have seen how closely physical health, mental health and a person’s circumstances outside of the clinical setting can intersect. We can provide excellent clinical care, but people ultimately return to their everyday lives,” says Batool. That may be Social Prescribing’s most compelling idea. The resources may already exist. What has often been missing is the bridge between them and the people who could benefit from it. Social Prescribing is still evolving, and stronger evidence will determine how widely it becomes embedded in Canadian healthcare. But it is turning a familiar truth into action: sometimes better health requires looking beyond the clinic doors.

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COVER STORY

RATANA

& ARRAN

STEPHENS A Life of Giving

PICTURES COURTESY: FAHAD PHOTOGRAPHY, PROVINCE OF B.C.

By Ancy Mendonza

We came into this world with nothing, and ultimately, we leave with nothing. Between those two moments lies our opportunity to serve.” 36

here is something wonderfully fitting about meeting Ratana and Arran Stephens at Shalimar Gardens. Their Vancouver home is beautiful, but it is the kind of beauty that reveals itself in details. Outside, the garden is alive with what the couple has spent a lifetime advocating for: food grown close to the earth. Tomatoes ripen on the vine, grapes hang in clusters, blueberries grow alongside an abundance of fresh produce. The organic philosophy that built their family business is not confined to a cereal box or corporate mission statement. It quite literally grows in their backyard. Inside, another part of Arran’s life covers the walls. His paintings are everywhere, reminders that long before he became one of Canada’s best-known organic food pioneers, he was an artist and poet (www.arransart.org). Among them, one catches the eye immediately: a beautiful rendering of his and Ratana’s wedding, painted by Arran himself. And

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then there is chai. Over a warm cup, conversation moves easily between the past and the present, between India and Canada, business and family, health, environment and food, and eventually, the decision that has brought renewed attention to the Stephens family. In June 2026, Ratana and Arran Stephens made a $40-million gift to Simon Fraser University’s new medical school, the largest single donation in SFU’s history. In recognition of their contribution, it has been named the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine. The school, Western Canada’s first entirely new medical school in nearly 60 years, welcomed its inaugural class in August 2026. A gift of that magnitude might suggest years of elaborate planning. Ratana remembers its beginning rather differently. The idea, she shares, came to her one day while thinking about the health-care challenges facing Canadians

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COVER STORY

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SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

COVER STORY

and the critical shortage of doctors—especially family physicians. If part of the problem was that Canada needed more physicians, she wondered, why not help train more of them here? She took the thought to Arran. His response, she recalls with a smile, was practical: did she have the money? She did, thanks to her shrewd investments. And so began conversations with SFU that eventually grew into a $40-million commitment to medical education, research, innovation, community impact and the infrastructure required to build a new generation of physicians. Behind the lightness with which the story is told is something much deeper. At this stage in their lives, the Stephens are thinking not simply about what they have built, but what can continue long after them. “We see this not simply as a

donation,” they say, “but as an investment in generations we may never meet.”

Two Lives, One Philosophy Their journey to Shalimar Gardens began in two remarkably different worlds. Arran was born on Vancouver Island in 1944 and spent his early childhood close to the land. His father, Rupert Stephens, was a captain in the First World War, a berry farmer and songwriter. From him came a lesson that Arran carried through life: “Always leave the soil better than you found it.” Years later, that childhood teaching would evolve into the philosophy at the heart of their businesses: Always leave the Earth better than you found it.

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But business was hardly the obvious destination for young Arran. His interests were art, poetry, spirituality, organic agriculture, and daily practice of silent meditation. In the 1960s, his spiritual search took him to India, where he spent seven months studying with his beloved teacher, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj (1894-1974). When he returned to Vancouver in 1967, he had virtually no money. What he did have was conviction. He opened the Golden Lotus on West 4th Avenue, Canada’s very first vegetarian restaurant. Ratana’s beginnings were shaped by an entirely different kind of upheaval. Born Ratan Mala Bagga in Lahore in 1946, she was only ten months old when Partition forced her family to flee the city and rebuild their lives in India. She grew up watching her father create something from nothing, learning from him not only the mechanics of entrepreneurship but, as she remembers, “how to treat others with compassion.” Education became her anchor. At a time when girls and women faced significant social and economic barriers, Ratana earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Sanskrit, followed by a master’s degree in English literature from Agra University, and became a college lecturer. Then, in 1969, two lives converged. Arran and Ratana met

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COVER STORY

Find a Purpose Greater than Yourself through an arranged marriage setup and were married according to Sikh rites in Delhi. Ratana soon came to Canada, and together they began building a family— and, although neither could have known it then, a pioneering organic company that would help transform how North Americans related to food, as well as understanding the negative impact of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and GMOs on human health and the environment. They raised four children: Arjan, Jyoti, Gurdeep, and Shanti. In 1971, came LifeStream Natural Foods retail supermarket (nine years before Whole Foods). Then, in 1985, came Nature’s Path Organic Foods. At the time, “organic” was nowhere near the cultural vocabulary it occupies today. Ingredients were difficult to source, consumers had to be convinced, and the Stephens were competing with global food corporations having resources far beyond their own, but they persisted. Nature’s Path grew from a modest family enterprise into North America’s leading independent organic cereal and snack company, with products reaching more than 50 countries. Through it all, Nature’s Path, and sister company Que Pasa remained family-owned despite, the Stephens say, more than a hundred offers to sell out over the past 20 years. The reason seems clearer after spending time with them. For Ratana and Arran, Nature’s Path was never merely something they owned. It stood for what they believed. Healthy people,

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

they maintain, depend on healthy food. Healthy food depends on healthy soil. And business, if it is going to occupy so much of a person's life, should serve something beyond itself.

When Giving Becomes a Way of Living Philanthropy, in the Stephens household, did not suddenly arrive with the SFU announcement. It has been threaded through their lives for decades. Their family and company have supported food banks, hospitals, universities, environmental organizations, organic farmers, community gardens, and programs addressing

hunger and food insecurity. Over the 20 years through 2024, Nature’s Path reports contributing more than $81.7 million in food and cash, including approximately $57 million in organic food to food banks across Canada and the United States. Some gifts have also been deeply personal. In 2011, Arran became seriously ill and underwent a living-donor liver transplant at Vancouver General Hospital. His daughter Gurdeep was his donor. For a family accustomed to giving, this was giving in its most intimate form: a daughter giving part of herself so her father could live. Following the father-daughter recovery, Ratana and Arran donated $1 million to VGH’s liver transplant clinic to provide critically needed liver diagnostic equipment, and another $1 million to support the

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COVER STORY work of VGH’s Gastroenterology Department. Additionally, they have been the lead donor to the Vancouver Coastal Health Withdrawal Center, helping with addiction recovery in a safe and clean environment, as well as to St. Paul’s Wellness Garden. Perhaps experiences like these explain why their philanthropy feels less transactional than instinctive. Health, education, food, environment - on paper, they may appear to be separate causes. In the Stephens’ worldview, they are interconnected. The food we grow affects the bodies we inhabit. Education changes what becomes possible. Medicine gives families more time. The environment sustains all of it. The new medical school brings many of those threads together. Its vision of community-based care resonated strongly with the family, particularly its broader understanding of health through nutrition, prevention, Indigenous knowledge and care for the whole person. For its first class of 48 medical students, the significance will be immediate. But for Ratana and Arran, the real impact may unfold over decades: in physicians trained, communities served, discoveries made, and patients whose names they will never know. That anonymity does not diminish the value of giving. It appears to be precisely the point. “We are in the sunset years of our lives,” they reflect, acknowledging they may not live to see the full fruition of everything they are planting. “But that does not make planting them any less important—perhaps it makes it more important.”

Planting for the Next Generation There is a literalness to that metaphor when you walk through Shalimar Gardens. Seeds are planted without any guarantee of what each season will bring. They are tended anyway. The same can be said of the legacy company the Stephens built. Nature’s Path is now moving into its next generation, with their son Arjan serving as President and daughter Jyoti as Senior Vice President. Ratana and Arran remain involved through the continuing

fiduciary board, but there is evident Stay humble. Be kind. Take time for sisatisfaction in watching something they lence and reflection. And, ultimately, give started beyond them. “A family business back. It is difficult not to see their own has real meaning when its values can story inside that advice. survive its founders,” they say. Arran once returned to VancouThose values are visible through- ver from India with almost nothing and out their home. They are in the garden opened a vegetarian restaurant. Ratana outside. In Arran’s paintings on the walls. arrived in Canada after a childhood In the wedding portrait that quietly holds shaped by displacement, resiliency, and a a younger version of the couple who fierce pursuit of education. Together, they would spend more than half a century entered an industry in which their ideas building a life together. In the stories of were once considered fringe and built four children raised alongside a growing a company around them. Today, they business. And in the warmth with which possess the ability to write a $40-million they speak about giving: not as somecheque. Yet sitting with them at Shalimar thing reserved for people with enormous Gardens, the number somehow becomes wealth, but as a responsibility that can only part of the story. take many forms. The greater story is what they Their advice to those coming have chosen to do with what life gave after them begins with purpose. “Find a them. “We came into this world with purpose greater than yourself.” Do not be nothing, and ultimately, we leave with afraid to start small, they say. Persevere. nothing,” they say. “Between those two moments lies our opportunity to serve.” Perhaps that is the simplest way to understand Ratana and Arran Stephens. Their legacy is not only Nature’s Path or a medical school bearing their family name. It is a way of measuring a life—not by how much one manages to gather, but by what remains useful to others when one is gone. As our conversation winds down at Shalimar Gardens, surrounded by paintings, memories, and a garden still producing its harvest, the philosophy Arran first learned from his father feels less like a corporate motto and more like the story of two lives. Leave the Earth better than you found it. For Ratana and Arran Stephens, they are still working on it.

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Eric Woodward

Sarb Rai

Building on

PROGRESS FOR LANGLEY

Eric Woodward Looks to the Next Four Years

he Township of Langley is on the rise. As the community prepares for future growth fueled in part by the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, Mayor Eric Woodward and his Council team are tackling the challenges of ensuring infrastructure keeps pace while preserving the community for future generations.

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Woodward grew up in Langley as the oldest of three, raised by his mother and grandparents. He understood early on that if he wanted to make a difference, he would have to work hard and make every decision matter. From his degree from UBC to founding several successful tech companies to revitalizing Fort Langley, Woodward says the common

thread has always been finding ways to leave things better than he found them: “Langley has always been my home, and it’s been a privilege to have played a part in its immense progress these last eight years. Though the journey hasn’t been linear, a lot of great work has been accomplished with more to do. I know there are concerns about how we’re growing

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

as a community, and I share them. But as Mayor, I’ve been proud to have the opportunity to balance our community’s needs by phasing some development and then ensuring our infrastructure and recreation facilities can keep up for current and future generations of Langley residents. We have to get things done.” Under Woodward's leadership, the Township has invested in roads, parks, and recreation facilities, needed after years of inaction. Projects like the widening of 208 Street, more of Fraser Highway, and the first phase of the 212 Connector aim to ease congestion and connect to new schools, while new park amenities and improvements such as at Aldergrove Athletic Park, Josette Dandurand Northeast Latimer Park, finishing Yorkson Community Park and a new Pump Track, the new Smith Athletic Soccer Campus, and Willoughby Pickleball Courts reflect an investment in the Township’s quality of life. Beyond roads and recreation, public safety has also been a key focus over the past four years. Langley has seen a stronger emergency response capacity with the addition of 39 firefighters and the opening of the new Brookswood-Fernridge Fire Hall

5, while the Township of Langley RCMP detachment has grown with 11 additional officers. These investments have contributed to a safer community, with the Township’s Crime Severity Index declining in recent years. "I've always been a builder. Whether it was growing businesses or revitalizing our community, I've been motivated by finding practical ways to make things better. We've achieved so much over the past four years, and I'm excited about getting more things donethings Langley needs to be a complete community, prepared for the future,” he adds. He’s also built a talented team of individuals from unique backgrounds and experiences. One of the “new” candidates running for a seat on Council is Sarb Rai, the first woman of South Asian descent to be elected as School Trustee in the Township of Langley. If elected in October, she would again be the first, breaking another glass ceiling to bring more complete representation to Council. “The gravity of these historic achievements isn’t lost on me, but it’s not what drives me. I want to be a positive role model for my daughters, and to girls and women in Langley who’ve ever doubted themselves when trying to reach

their goals. It hasn’t been a smooth path to get here, but I am proud of the work I’ve been able to do to help parents and families navigate our education system,” says Rai. Rai never imagined running for office until her son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at the age of 5, and later, when her daughter experienced severe adversity at school.. Both experiences exposed the challenges faced by many parents with the education system. Having been a civil servant for 27 years with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and then the Canada Border Services Agency, she was compelled to step up to serve Langley residents in 2022 by advocating for more support for students with diverse needs. Reflecting on her time as a school trustee, she says, “During my term, I met so many parents who aren't just worried about education. They're worried about whether their children will be able to buy a home or build a future here in Langley. Those are the questions that keep me up at night, and they're why I'm running for Council." After serving the Township of Langley first as a Councilor and then Mayor, Woodward remains focused on building for the future because what he wants most is to share his hometown with everyone who wants to live and love Langley the way he does. "I've met so many residents who care deeply about Langley," Woodward concluded. "I'm looking forward to hearing what they also want to see for our Township's future." As Langley prepares for continued growth, Woodward and his Progress for Langley team are asking voters for four more years to continue moving forward, continuing the momentum, and getting even more things done for residents and taxpayers.

Learn more about Eric and the Progress for Langley team at

www.progressforlangley.org

General Voting Day is October 17, 2026

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

BUSINESS PROFILE

Shaping What’s

or Manpreet Singh, architecture was never far from home. He grew up in a family where construction was part of everyday life: his grandfather was a builder, followed by his father, brother, and uncle. For Piyush Verma, the attraction was different - it was the creative side of architecture that drew him in: the idea that something that begins as a drawing on paper can eventually become a real place where people live, work, and gather. Two different paths, but a shared fascination with what is possible when design, creativity, and practicality come together. Today, the two are Co-founders and Principal Architects at ParaMorph Architecture Inc., a Surrey-based firm carrying forward four decades of architectural experience while bringing a distinctly contemporary perspective to the way buildings are imagined. The name itself reflects this philosophy. ParaMorph combines “parametric” and “morphing”—an approach that uses parameters - data, values, constraints to shape and evolve architectural form representing morphing. For Manpreet and Piyush, however, it is more than a name; it represents their way of thinking. “We always strive to bring creativity and fresh thinking to every building we design, and the name ParaMorph holds us to that commitment,” says Manpreet. That creative thinking is grounded by an equally strong sense of responsibility. The architects are conscious that the buildings they design are not simply structures to look at. They are places where people will spend years of their lives. Before putting pen to paper, the team looks at the bigger picture: the

neighborhood, pedestrian movement, traffic, how people approach the building, how it connects to the street and, ultimately, how it will function once people move in. “Architecture is never a one-person thing,” Piyush says. Ideas are discussed, challenged, and developed within a collaborative team of 26 members, with both experience and younger perspectives contributing to the final design. That intergenerational approach is particularly meaningful given the firm's history. ParaMorph emerged from a partnership with David Eaton Architect Inc., a respected Vancouver architectural practice with a 40-year legacy. For Manpreet and Piyush, taking that legacy forward is both an opportunity and a responsibility. “We are really fortunate to have David with us,” says Piyush. “We have a lot of respect for that foundation.” The goal is not simply to preserve what came before, but to build upon it through new ideas, emerging technologies, and a fresh approach to design. This philosophy is already evident across ParaMorph’s growing portfolio of more than 200 projects throughout British Columbia, spanning a diverse range of building types and uses. One of the firm’s most recent projects, Sector One28 in Surrey, brings together retail, dining, office and event spaces within a five-building mixed-use campus. The buildings are organized around a pedestrian piazza designed to enhance user experience and encourage activity throughout the site. Sculpted forms, expansive glazing, integrated landscaping and articulated rooflines come together to give the development a strong and distinctive identity.

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The Williams Street Apartments project demonstrate how relatively simple design interventions can make a significant visual difference. Offset balcony modules create rhythm, depth and shadow across the façade without adding unnecessary construction complexity. Similarly, the Pollard Street Townhouses take a different direction, drawing on traditional residential details such as gables, stone chimneys and bay windows while giving them a contemporary expression. And at Langford Highrise, parametric thinking comes into its own. A repeated balcony module is varied and arranged across the tower to create a sculptural façade - proof that repetition does not have to mean monotony. These are just a handful of projects ParaMorph has undertaken and delivered. Their work extends well beyond residential development. Its portfolio includes multifamily housing, townhomes, commercial complexes, business parks, mixed-use developments, childcare facilities, and private schools. “We are not developing only one building,” Piyush explains. “We are developing a whole community.” It is a perspective that feels particularly relevant as Surrey continues to grow and transform. And with ParaMorph now expanding its work into Alberta, the firm is taking that philosophy with it. For Manpreet and Piyush, the future of architecture is evolving quickly. Their answer to it is not to chase trends, but to keep learning, questioning, and designing with purpose. Because ultimately, ParaMorph's idea of architecture is fairly simple: make it beautiful, make it work, and make it matter to the people who will use it.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Manpreet Singh Co-founder and Principal Architect

Piyush Verma

Co-founder and Principal Architect

ParaMorph Architecture British Columbia|Alberta Email: info@paramorph.com

Contact: 604-608-0161

Address 308, 9639 137A Street Surrey, BC, V3T 0M1

Website: www.paramorph.com

@paramorph_architecture

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Store Hours Monday - Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM

Contact

Email: sales@wrmattress.com Phone: 604-385-0112 Address: 2390 152 Street, Surrey, BC , V4A 4N9

Website

www.wrmattress.com

hen Raman Dhaliwal first met measure of trust. And that trust Mark Nagra, she had no plans doesn't end once a mattress leaves of getting into the mattress the showroom. “We follow up with business. them, ask how they're sleeping, send She was working at Staples in them a thank-you card,” she says. South Surrey, managing the Copy & “It's not just about the sale.” Print department, and was considering In fact, product knowledge studying criminology. Nagra, already is taken seriously at the WR Mattress 39 years into the mattress business and Gallery. Staff undergo regular trainpreparing to open a store in the area, ing and even complete detailed prodhappened to notice something unrelated uct-knowledge quizzes. The goal isn't to mattresses: the way Raman treated to pressure someone into buying; customers. He kept coming back to her it is to make sure they can answer for the service. Eventually, he made her the questions that matter. Because an offer to join him in the business. choosing a mattress is personal. It is Raman thought he was crazy. “I never something people sleep on for years, thought I was going to own a mattress spending roughly a third of their store. It just kind of fell into my hands,” lives on it. For Raman, that makes she recalls. the conversation about more than But sometimes the right comfort and price. It is also about opportunity arrives before you're ready what you're sleeping on. for it. At just 23, Raman took the leap, That is where the gallery's left Staples and, within months, became focus on healthier sleep products Nagra's business partner. The WR Mat- comes in. tress Gallery opened its doors in August While memory foam has 2013. become commonplace in the matThirteen years later, it is a tress industry, WR Mattress Gallery well-established South Surrey business has built much of its identity around whose success is driven largely by the natural latex, organic materials, and very thing that first caught Nagra's atlower-emission products. Its selectention: customer service. The majority tion includes natural and organic of the gallery's business today comes mattresses, including Raman's own through repeat customers and referrals, Thread and Weave line, which she something Raman sees as the strongest developed after years of learning

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

The Business of a Good Night’s Sleep

about latex and mattress construction. The store also carries Pure Energy mattresses featuring CELLIANT technology, along with natural and organic bedding, including bamboo and cotton sheets. Raman's interest in healthier sleep has evolved over the years. What started with an appreciation for natural latex has grown into a broader commitment to offering products that are thoughtfully made and designed with wellness in mind. Just as important is where those products come from. Approximately 90 per cent of

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

“

It's not just about the sale.We follow up with the customer and make sure they are comfortable with the product, and are satisfied and sleeping better."

Raman Dhaliwal

the products carried at the gallery are Canadian made. Mattresses from Restwell are made locally, while its furniture selection includes Canadian-made pieces from manufacturers such as Stylus in Burnaby. Supporting local manufacturers has been part of the business philosophy from the beginning - not simply a response to the growing interest in buying Canadian. Today, customers can find adjustable beds, Murphy wall beds, and cabinet beds for smaller homes, as well as sofa beds, and customizable sofas. Yet Raman is clear about what

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

remains at the heart of the business: healthy sleep. Her own journey has been part ofthat story. Coming into a traditionally male-dominated industry as a young Punjabi woman wasn't something her family initially understood. Today, after more than a decade in the business and recognition including the Better Business Bureau's People's Pick Award and, most recently, the Surrey & White Rock Women in Business Award, Raman hopes her experience encourages more women to take similar chances. “I want other women to know that you can step

into this industry and thrive,” she says. And perhaps that is what makes the WR Mattress Gallery stand out. It isn't simply a place to buy a mattress. It is a local business built over years of relationships, product knowledge, and a genuine belief that customers deserve to feel looked after. After all, anyone can sell you a mattress.The real question is: who will still care how you're sleeping after you take it home? At the WR Mattress Gallery, that is where the relationship begins.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

BUSINESS PROFILE

From Surviving to Thriving

The Work of

Elizabeth Fry Society

hen a woman arrived at one of EFry’s shelters after escaping a violent relationship, she was also trying to navigate another enormous transition: seeking refugee status in Canada. She had left behind what was unsafe, but what came next was far from certain. Nine months later, her life looked very different. There was no single program or intervention responsible for that change. Instead, there was a safe place to stay, practical support, guidance, and, perhaps most importantly, enough stability to begin thinking beyond the immediate crisis. Stories like hers sit at the heart of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry), an organization that has spent more than 85 years supporting women, children, youth and families through some of the most difficult chapters of their lives. For CEO Azra Hussain, the work is ultimately about restoring something crisis often takes away: choice. “For me, ‘from surviving to thriving’ is about moving beyond simply getting through the day to reaching a place where you have choices again.” Today, nearly 15,000 people access EFry’s services every year. Some are

fleeing gender-based violence. Others are experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health or substance-use challenges, unemployment, or involvement with the justice system. For many, several of those realities exist at the same time. That complexity has shaped the way EFry works. Rather than addressing one problem in isolation, its programs are designed to meet people where they are and help connect the pieces needed to move forward. Sometimes, the first step is simply having somewhere safe to sleep. EFry provides emergency shelter, transitional and supported housing, Housing First programs, and assistance finding permanent housing. But securing a roof is only one part of the equation. Once immediate safety is established, staff can begin helping a woman address what brought her there and what she will need to remain safely housed. The need is significant: 85 per cent of the women and children staying in EFry shelters are fleeing gender-based violence. “Safety creates breathing room and sometimes that breathing room is what allows a person to imagine a completely different future,” says Hussain. EFry also works on prevention through initiatives such as Project Red Flag, help-

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.efry.com Call toll-free at 1-888-879-9593 If you or someone you know needs support, help is only a call away.

ing communities recognize warning signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships before violence escalates. Crisis is not always visible. Behind homelessness or justice involvement can be years of trauma, family instability, grief, poverty or isolation. EFry’s counselling and family programs are built around understanding that larger picture rather than defining someone by the circumstance that brought them through the door. “We cannot erase what someone has experienced,” Hussain says. “But we can help ensure that the experience does not determine everything that comes afterward.” Its no-cost counselling is offered in eight languages—English, Hindi, Malayalam, Mandarin, Marathi, Punjabi, Urdu

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Elizabeth Fry Society IMPACT IN NUMBERS

85+ years

of supporting women, children and families

Nearly

15,000

women, children and families served each year

Almost

2,000

children supported annually

Nearly

6,000

Azra Hussain CEO, EFry and Vietnamese—making support easier to access for women who may already be navigating cultural or language barriers. Safety and healing create the foundation. Independence gives someone the ability to build on it. EFry’s education, employment and skills programs help women prepare for work and greater financial independence, but with an understanding that employment may be several steps away when someone is emerging from crisis. Programs are structured around those realities. Woolwerx, EFry’s social enterprise, provides training and employment opportunities for women transitioning from justice involvement, homelessness and substance-use challenges. The goal is bigger

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

women and children access the Maida Duncan Drop-In Centre

than landing a job. It is reaching a point where a woman can support herself, make decisions for her family and have genuine options about the direction of her life. That same thinking extends to EFry’s work with children and youth, particularly those affected by a parent’s involvement with the justice system. Through programs such as JustKids, Blue Sky and SHINE, young people have access to counselling, mentorship, positive experiences, and opportunities to build confidence and leadership. Hussain brings more than two decades of non-profit leadership to that vision. A Certified Fundraising Executive and Chartered Professional Accoun-

tant, she previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Surrey Hospitals Foundation, with experience spanning strategy, fundraising, finance, governance and operations. Her connection to EFry, however, began before becoming CEO, when she joined its Board six years ago. Now, she wants the organization’s next chapter to be measured not simply by how many people it reaches, but by what happens after they leave. For those looking to be part of EFry’s work, the opportunity may be through a donation, sponsorship, corporate partnership, volunteering, or funding a program. And for someone who needs EFry herself, it may simply begin with knowing where to turn.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

BUSINESS PROFILE

Address:

7135 138 St Unit #151, Surrey, BC V3W 2K7

Phone:

604-503-2558

Email:

info@newtonsmiles.ca

Clinic Hours:

Open 6 Days a Week

Book an Appointment:

www.newtonsmiles.ca

DR. REEPJEET GULIA Changing the Face of Dentistry

or Dr. Reepjeet Gulia, dentistry was a growing family practice with a team never one option among many. It of dentists, a hygienist, dental assistants was always the profession she saw and front-office staff, providing care to herself in. patients ranging from young children to After completing dental school seniors. in South India, she moved to Canada and At the heart of Gulia’s approach began the process of qualifying to practice is a simple idea: deal with smaller here, completing the required examinaproblems before they become bigger tions and receiving her Canadian dental ones. Regular examinations and cleaning license in 2018. Years of working as a den- are something she strongly encourages, tist followed, giving her the experience particularly because dental problems do and confidence to eventually take the next not always begin with pain. “If there is step: running a practice of her own. That something small, like a cavity, get it done opportunity came in 2025, when she took now rather than waiting for it to get over Newton Smiles Dental in Newton, bigger,” she explains. Surrey. It is a message she feels is “I always knew I was ready to especially important in a community take over my own practice,” she says. For where some patients may put dental Gulia, the location also made sense. The care aside until they are uncomfortable. Newton clinic is easily accessible, located By the time pain becomes severe, what at ground level and offers free parking may once have required a simple filling - small things, perhaps, but details she be- can sometimes mean a root canal or lieves make a difference when building a extraction instead. practice around convenience and comfort. The clinic provides general and Today, Newton Smiles Dental is family dentistry alongside restorative,

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

cosmetic, and orthodontic treatments. Children can receive everything from routine hygiene appointments and fillings to extractions and space maintainers, depending on their individual needs. For more complex cases that require specialist care, patients are referred appropriately. The clinic also offers Invisalign for patients looking to straighten their teeth and improve their smile without traditional braces. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, the treatment provides a more discreet and convenient orthodontic option. Technology is another important part of the clinic. Digital scanners allow the team to take impressions for treatments such as crowns, bridges, and Invisalign without relying solely on the traditional impression materials that many patients find uncomfortable. But one of the newest additions to Newton Smiles is taking the clinic into a less traditional area of dentistry. Gulia is introducing EMFACE® in Newton, a non-invasive technology that combines

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Seeing someone smile after a correction, or relieving someone who came in with pain - That’s what makes you feel good about what you do. -Dr. Reepjeet Gulia

high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation with radiofrequency energy. While the treatment is well known for facial aesthetics—helping tone facial muscles, supporting collagen production, and improving the appearance of the skin— Gulia is particularly interested in how it can complement dentistry. One of those applications is TMJ dysfunction. Patients dealing with jaw tension, clenching and discomfort can sometimes experience persistent pain or difficulty opening their mouths. EMFACE works by targeting facial and jaw muscles without needles or surgery, with treatments typically performed in short sessions and without downtime. For Gulia, its appeal is the ability to bring together two areas that naturally overlap: facial aesthetics and oral health. The clinic plans to offer EMFACE both for cosmetic dentistry and for patients seeking help with TMJ-related concerns, with treatment plans determined individually. The addition reflects the larger

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

direction she wants Newton Smiles Dental to take: modern, comprehensive care without losing the personal side of dentistry. Fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi, Gulia also understands the diversity of the Newton community and the importance of making patients feel comfortable asking questions and understanding their treatment options. Newton Smiles Dental also accepts patients covered through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, helping make care more accessible to eligible families. And despite the long days and physical demands of dentistry, she still finds the work rewarding. Some days it is relieving someone’s pain. On others, it is giving someone the confidence to smile differently. “Every day is different,” she says. “New patients, different procedures, different conditions. It keeps going.” For a dentist who says she cannot imagine herself doing anything else, that may be exactly the point.

SERVICES AVAILABLE · Children’s dentistry · Dental fillings and restorations · EMFACE® treatment for TMJ-related jaw tension and discomfort · Tooth and wisdom tooth extractions · Crowns and bridges · Teeth whitening and root canal treatment · Invisalign® and clear aligner treatment · Cosmetic dentistry and smile enhancement · Emergency dental care

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

E H T W E N E V A W h t u o Y OF

m s i v i t c

You can love them, roll your eyes at them, or simply get baffled by their slang, but one thing is certain: Generation Z can’t be ignored.

orn between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z is often dismissed as entitled, impatient, selfish, disrespectful, or in their lingo - ‘delulu.’ But beneath the viral memes, TikTok videos, and reels is a feisty generation unwilling to bow down to any authority, simply because it is authority. Far from being delulu, Gen Z is spearheading some of the most significant transformations across the globe. Watching them, it is hard not to think of French philosopher Auguste Comte and his theory of positivism. Comte argued that social change is closely tied to the succession of generations. He believed that as new generations come of age, they bring with

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

them a new set of ideas that naturally challenge rigid institutional ideas. Interestingly, though Comte’s reflections date back to 1848, they have remained strikingly relevant across centuries. Of course, activism is not an invention by the Zoomers. Every generation before them has challenged the status quo in their own ways. However, what is different today is the way this generation is skillfully using the internet to translate digital noise into real action. Armed with strong tech connectivity, these youngsters have increasingly taken up social, political, and environmental causes and shown that a smartphone can sometimes be as powerful as a megaphone. Early signs of Gen Z activism emerged around 2018, when Swedish Gen Z activist Greta Thunberg began pressuring governments to address climate change. Her activism kickstarted the ‘Fridays for Future’ climate movement, where school students skipped Friday classes to participate in demonstrations to demand action from political leaders to prevent climate change. In the USA, young David Hogg came into the limelight as another Gen Z activist, leading demonstrations against gun violence. In recent years, the youth activism wave has swelled into something far more powerful and

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

TEAM

BRENDA LOCKE

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BRENDA LOCKE

HARRY BAINS

RE-ELECT FOR MAYOR

RE-ELECT FOR COUNCIL

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16KM SKYTRAIN EXPANSION UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND 34% INCREASE IN TRANSIT SERVICE FOR SURREY RESIDENTS

ELECT FOR COUNCIL

FAMILIES FIRST

GORDON HEPNER RE-ELECT FOR COUNCIL

PARDEEP KOONER RE-ELECT FOR COUNCIL

INVESTING IN PARKS, RECREATION, LIBRARIES, AND THE SOCIAL SUPPORTS THAT MAKE SURREY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

VERA LeFRANC ELECT FOR COUNCIL

BUSINESS BACKED CUTTING RED TAPE AND SUPPORTING SURREY'S LOCAL ECONOMY SO BUSINESSES CAN HIRE AND GROW

IT'S YOUR MONEY ROB STUTT

RONA TEPPER

RE-ELECT FOR COUNCIL

ELECT FOR COUNCIL

NOEMI VICTORINO ELECT FOR COUNCIL

TRANSPARENT BUDGETS, VALUE FOR TAXPAYER DOLLARS, AND A CITY HALL THAT EARNS PUBLIC TRUST

ਸਰੀ ਕਨੈ ਕਟ ਲਈ ਵੋਟ ਪਾਓ - ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਟੀਮ ON OCTOBER 17, VOTE FOR THE SURREY CONNECT TEAM LEARN MORE AT SURREY-CONNECT.CA

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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AUTHORIZED BY SARJ DHALIWAL, FINANCIAL AGENT (INFO@SURREY-CONNECT.CA)

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, INSTAGRAM/COCKROACHJANTAPARTY

DARPAN FEATURE

political. Be it Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Morocco, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, or, most recently, India, Gen Z has emerged as a formidable political force worldwide. Interestingly, for these Gen Zers, who grew up with a phone in hand, activism does not necessarily begin in a meeting room, an office, or a university auditorium. It can start with a post, a video, a hashtag, a meme, or a message forwarded across group chats. In 2024, the world saw one of the first major Gen Z–led uprisings unfold in Bangladesh. What began as student opposition to government job quotas quickly grew into the July Uprising, a much broader movement against the government. The protests turned deadly, but eventually led to major changes in the quota system and, ultimately, the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Though the July revolution started on university campuses, it gained enormous momentum through Facebook groups, messaging apps, and hashtag campaigns that helped students coordinate

blockades and share information in real time. Around the same time in Kenya, online agitation over a tax-hike proposal brought youngsters onto the streets of Nairobi. In September 2025, Nepal offered the best example of how quickly the youth

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

uprising template could travel across borders. Anger over corruption and the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children had already been simmering, and then the government banned dozens of social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. The ban sparked nationwide protests, eventually forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. A similarly youth-driven pattern also played out in Madagascar, where the protest brought President Andry Rajoelina's government down within a matter of weeks. Indian Gen Z, too, joined this growing list in 2026. Interestingly, the seed of the movement was sown in a courtroom. In May 2026, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked during a Supreme Court hearing that unemployed young people who turned to social media and activism were like ‘cockroaches.’ The remark prompted Communications Strategist Abhijeet

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Dipke to launch a satirical online movement called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Powered by memes and AI-generated content, within days the account's Instagram following went up to 20 million, more than the ruling party's (BJP) own page. What began as a joke soon tapped into students’ outrage over recurring exam irregularities and NEET paper leaks. The online movement spilled into the streets, with Dipke joining students and scientist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Protests subsequently spread to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major cities. After weeks of mass demonstrations, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan finally resigned. The Gen Z-led protest in India is a classic example of how quickly digital outrage can translate into an offline movement. And that perhaps defines the biggest characteristic of this new wave of youth activism. These digital natives don’t consider online and offline spaces as separate worlds. For them, both are platforms to make their voices heard. Award-winning author Lucie Greene points out, “In an era of fake news and the filter bubble, Gen Z is also more likely to be able to push through the noise. Not only are they able to consume more information than any group before, but they have also become accustomed to cutting through it. They are perhaps the most brand-critical, bullshit-repellent, questioning group around and will call out any behavior they dislike on social media.” This new wave of youth activism is a reminder of what Comte foresaw nearly two centuries ago— the power of generational change. Will these movements deliver lasting institutional reform? Well, that remains to be seen, but one thing is pretty clear: the voice of the youth just cannot be silenced easily.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

For All Of Your Real-Estate Needs Just A Phone Call Away

SAMEER KAUSHAL

(B.SC, MBA)

PERSONAL REALESTATE CORPORATION

604-897-9575

w w w .SameerKaushal. c o m

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DARPAN FEATURE

UBC

By Naina Grewal

Sauder’s MBA

Ranking Raises Questions About B.C.’s Job Market

PICTURES COURTESY: JOHN RUSTAD, DARREN DAHL, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

he University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, one of Canada’s leading business schools, is facing questions about graduate employment after its MBA program was ranked 99th out of 100 global fulltime MBA programs by the Financial Times. It was found that 52% of Sauder MBA graduates reported being employed within three months of completing the program, down from 65% the previous year. It was also reported that 72% of the MBA class is made up of international students. The findings have prompted a broader debate about whether post-secondary education is keeping pace with B.C.’s changing labor market. Darren Dahl, dean of UBC Sauder School of Business, says the 52% figure needs to be understood in the context of how the Financial Times measures employment. “The ranking looks at employment three months after students complete their academic requirements, while Sauder tracks employment after graduation.” He outlines

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

"The 52% figure represents a specific point in the employment journey rather than the final employment outcome for the class."

-Darren Dahl

Dean, UBC Sauder School of Business

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

"The good-paying jobs that are actually available are in the skilled trades and the resource sector. Universities are still turning out degrees for a world of paperpushing jobs that is shrinking, instead of matching education to the work British Columbians actually need." -John Rustad

MLA, Nechako Lakes and Former Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C.

that full-time MBA students complete their programs in December but graduate the following May, meaning some spend those months travelling, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures or taking planned breaks. “The 52% figure represents a specific point in the employment journey rather than the

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

final employment outcome for the class,” Dean Dahl reveals. According to Sauder, employment typically rises to between 70% and 80% shortly after graduation. John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes and former leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., says the results reflect a wider disconnect between education and employment. “It tells us the system is out of step with reality,” he emphasizes. He points to the growing impact of artificial intelligence, saying companies are hiring fewer junior employees for routine analytical, writing and administrative work that once provided entry points into white-collar careers. “Meanwhile, the good-paying jobs that are actually available are in the skilled trades and the resource sector. Universities are still turning out degrees for a world of paper-pushing jobs that is shrinking, instead of matching education to the work British Columbians actually need,” MLA Rustad details. Dean Dahl references broader economic conditions behind the change, including uncertainty created by U.S. tariffs and reduced hiring in consulting, technology and the public sector, which are common destinations for Sauder graduates. At the same time, Sauder says it is adapting its MBA program to prepare students for a labor market increasingly shaped by AI. “Our focus is on preparing students to use AI effectively and responsibly,” Dean Dahl shares, while developing the judgment needed to understand where human responsibility must remain central. MLA Rustad, however, argues that the challenge extends beyond curriculum. He specifically believes international enrolment should reflect B.C.’s capacity to provide jobs, housing, and other opportunities. “You can’t keep bringing in large numbers of international students when there aren’t enough jobs or affordable places to live,” he says. He has called for stronger links

between public funding, employment outcomes, and areas where employers are hiring. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills says the labor-market challenge extends well beyond MBA programs. B.C.’s Labor Market Outlook projects more than one million job openings over the next decade, particularly in health care, technology, construction and clean energy. The province says it is investing $241 million over three years through the Look West strategy to train British Columbians for in-demand trades jobs, alongside $42 million for initiatives including graduate scholarships, shortterm training and expanded technology degree programs. Overall, the debate surrounding Sauder’s ranking ultimately raises a larger question for B.C.: as the economy and the nature of work continue to change, how effectively are universities, government and employers adapting to ensure graduates are prepared for the opportunities ahead?

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

By Naina Grewal

Back-to-school season brings excitement, new routines, and, for many parents, a familiar set of questions: Is my child learning enough? Are they reading enough? Should I be helping more? Is this the right school or teacher? 60

eachers understand those concerns. That said, they also see something parents may not always see at home. Learning is not always about worksheets, grades, or memorization. It is also about developing independence, curiosity, resilience, relationships, and the ability to solve problems. Four educators share what they wish parents knew.

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Independence Starts at Home Parents naturally want to help their children, but sometimes helping means stepping back. Sandip Kaur Sodhi, teacher and author, encourages parents to let children take responsibility for

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE Harman S. Pandher

things they are capable of doing themselves, from packing their backpack and choosing their clothes to helping prepare lunch and participating in household chores. “Don’t baby them,” Sodhi says. That also means allowing children to make mistakes. Harman Singh Pandher, learning support teacher with the Surrey School District, encourages parents to let children experience challenges and productive struggle. When a child says, “I can’t do this,” Pandher suggests responding, “You can’t do it yet. What could you try next?” The goal is not to make things harder for children. It is to help them become capable of handling things for themselves.

-Learning Support Teacher, Surrey School District

Give Them a Break

Play is Learning, Too Some parents worry that children are “just playing” at school and question whether they are learning enough. Sodhi points out that parents do not always recognize how much learning can happen through play. “Through play, they can learn problem-solving, creativity and skill building,” she emphasizes. With children's schedules increasingly filled with organized activities, unstructured time can disappear. However, children need opportunities to explore, imagine, experiment and simply be children. Not every valuable learning experience looks academic.

Make Language and Reading Part of Family Life

versations. “Five minutes of one-to-one communication with a child makes a big difference,” she suggests.

You don’t have to choose between English and your mother language. Give your child both."

Children's days can become highly structured, with school followed by homework, sports, lessons and screens. Sodhi believes children also need time to decompress. That means protecting downtime after school, encouraging outdoor play, and paying attention to sleep routines. Screen time should also be monitored, with parents knowing what children are watching and who they may be interacting with online. A healthy school routine is not only about getting children to complete their work; it is also about making sure they have time to rest, move, explore, and recharge.

Teach the Values You Want to See

Schools can reinforce values, but they cannot teach them alone. “If you’re teaching kids respect, you have to talk respectfully at home,” Sodhi advises. The same applies to responsibility. Children can learn accountability through everyday tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, taking out the garbage, helping prepare meals, and managing small amounts of the language they are most comfortable money. Teaching children the difference speaking. It can strengthen connections between wants and needs, and that they with family and culture while giving chil- cannot always have everything they dren opportunities to develop language want, helps build perspective and reskills. Sodhi also encourages parents to sponsibility. The lessons children absorb make time for simple, one-on-one conat home often show up in the classroom.

Learning does not begin and end with homework. Sodhi encourages parents to make reading part of everyday family life rather than treating it as something children will eventually grow into. For multilingual families, Pandher has an equally important message: a child's mother language is a strength, not a barrier. “You don’t have to choose between English and your mother language. Give your child both,” Pandher highlights. Parents can talk, read, tell stories, and sing in

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Karu

n Lad - Ele har Teac mentary her Scho ol

We genuinely care about your child’s success, not just in academics but their social and emotional wellbeing matters to us as well." Learning Happens Beyond the Classroom Parents do not need to recreate school at home when a child misses class. Sodhi says that when families travel, for example, parents do not necessarily need to ask teachers for packages of worksheets. A travel journal, conversations about what they saw or questions about what they learned can be meaningful learning experiences. The same principle applies every day. Cooking, shopping, budgeting, reading, helping around the house, playing outside, and asking questions all give children opportunities to learn.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Trust the Teacher: We Are a Team Teachers care about much more than academic performance. “We genuinely care about your child’s success, not just in academics but their social and emotional wellbeing matters to us as well,” shares Karun Ladhar, elementary school teacher. “We like our students to be happy, independent, confident, problem solvers and resilient humans. Together, as a team, we can work wonders!” Of course, in such cases, comparisons rarely help. “It’s not ideal to compare teachers. Every classroom has different dynamics,” Ladhar reveals. “As teachers, we witness not only children’s growth but also the hopes, sacrifices and quiet anxieties of their parents,” notes Elementary School Teacher Pam Chatrath. “The most successful students are often those whose parents understand that education is not

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Sodh

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simply about grades. It is about nurturing curiosity, resilience, empathy and character.” Perhaps the biggest message from educators is also the simplest: Education is not simply about producing children who know the right answers. It is about helping them become thoughtful, capable, and compassionate people who know how to find answers for themselves. Here’s to a wonderful new school year.

Through play, they can learn problemsolving, creativity and skill building."

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE By Naina Grewal

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International Graduates Protest PGWP Refusals

or 22 days, hundreds of international graduates gathered in Calgary to protest the rejection of their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Many said they had invested thousands in Canadian education, believing their programs would allow them to gain work experience after graduation. The protest ended in August after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checked the

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immigration status of 20 attendees, identifying 12 as “possibly inadmissible” under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and asking them to attend follow-up interviews. Most protesters were graduates of Portage College-linked programs. While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains that non-credit programs are generally not eligible for PGWPs, students argue they were not ade-

“Why bring in temporary foreign workers when we already have people here who are willing and able to work?” -Surinder Singh Sangha

Author, Historian, Researcher and Media Coordinator with the Indo-Canadian Workers Association of Canada

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DARPAN FEATURE

quately informed of the restrictions when they enrolled. For Kanav Sharma, founder of Orange Nucleus Media, the frustration is less about opposing tighter immigration rules and more about when those rules are applied. “The loudest thing I hear isn't anger at the rules themselves. It's that the rules moved after people had already committed. The part that doesn't make the news is how quiet most of it is. Most international students weren't at the protest; they were working a shift—stressed, depressed, and not telling their family back home how bad it's gotten,” Sharma details. He adds that the idea of simply leaving Canada overlooks the realities many students are confronting. “A lot of -Kanav Sharma these students are carrying family debt, founder of Orange Nucleus Media land sold, loans taken, parents' savings spent, so going home isn't the clean exit people imagine. There is, however, another side to the debate. Canada has been tightening immigration and international student numbers amid concerns over housing affordability, jobs, infrastructure and pressure on public services. The discussion has also raised concerns about whether temporary residents should leave when their

legal status expires, rather than assume that studying in Canada guarantees a path to remain. Nevertheless, Sharma points out that criticism can sometimes extend beyond those policy concerns. “What surprises people most is that the harshest judgment isn't coming from outside our community. It's coming from inside it,” he highlights. That criticism from within the community is something Surinder Singh Sangha, author, historian, researcher and media coordinator with the Indo-Canadian Workers Association of Canada, emphasizes should prompt reflection on the South Asian community’s own history. Earlier generations of South Asian immigrants also faced discrimination and racism when they arrived in Canada, he notes, including opposition from anti-immigration groups that objected to people of color settling in Canada. “Nobody welcomed us with open arms either. In fact, earlier generations of immigrants have often blamed those who arrived later for tarnishing the community’s image. Now, we’re seeing that same cycle repeat itself,” he outlines.

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“The part that doesn't make the news is how quiet most of it is. Most international students weren't at the protest; they were working a shift—stressed, depressed, and not telling their family back home how bad it's gotten.” -Kanav Sharma

Founder, Orange Nucleus Media

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Sangha also believes Canada should consider what it stands to lose if international graduates are required to leave. “Why bring in temporary foreign workers when we already have people here who are willing and able to work?” he asks. He argues that many graduates are young, educated, English-speaking, and have already gained Canadian work experience, potentially making them well-positioned to fill labor shortages, including in remote communities. Sangha is also careful to distinguish his position from a blanket defense of every international student. “I’m talking about people who are law-abiding and want to contribute,” he says. Ultimately, the situation reflects a difficult balance between Canada’s changing immigration priorities and the expectations of those who came here to study. For now, many graduates remain uncertain about what comes next.

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

RENT or BUY?

Canada’s Housing Cooldown Making the Choice Harder

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, CHRISTOPHER MASCARENHAS, MAYUR ARORA

By Aprameya VN

hen Christopher Mascarenhas arrived in Canada with his wife in 2021, buying a home was not really a decision they could afford to think about. His wife was studying and could work only limited hours. Christopher, who was on a work visa, was getting only a limited number of shifts. Their earnings were enough to cover rent, groceries, transportation, and other essentials. Homeownership could wait. Almost four years later, Christopher's circumstances have changed. So has the way he looks at renting and buying. “As time passed, we were fortunate to receive opportunities to grow within the company, and our incomes gradually increased,” says the Vancouver resident. Renting, he says, gave them the breathing room they needed to settle into a new country and pay off education loans taken in India. It also made sense when their future in Canada was uncertain. They did not know when they would receive

permanent residency, and buying a home without a PR card in hand could mean fewer financing options and higher costs. “Renting actually helped us financially during those early years,” Christopher says. “It gave us the flexibility we needed.” His experience captures a dilemma facing many households in Canada today. Buying a home has long been seen as a natural milestone: stop paying rent, build equity, and put your money into an asset of your own. In 2026, though, that choice is not quite

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

as simple. Canada's housing market has cooled from its highs. The national average home price stood at $696,078 in June, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association, while the MLS Home Price Index was 3.6 per cent lower than a year earlier. Sales have begun to recover after a slow start to the year, but homes remain expensive enough to keep many would-be buyers cautious. Renters have found some breathing room too. Canada's purpose-

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DARPAN FEATURE

When Does Buying Make Sense?

built rental vacancy rate rose from 2.2 per cent in 2024 to 3.1 per cent in 2025, helped by more rental supply and slower population growth. Affordability, however, remains a concern, especially in major urban markets. Today, if the numbers worked, Christopher would rather own. “If I have enough money for a down payment and can comfortably manage the mortgage, I would rather put that money toward my own home than spend it helping someone else pay off theirs,” he says.

When Owning Comes with a Price Kshitij Ahlawat made that move from renting to owning, and his experience shows why getting the keys is only one part of the homeownership story. During the pandemic, Kshitij's landlord told him the rental property was needed for family use. Rather than searching for another place, he decided to buy. His mortgage initially cost around $1,900 a month. It later climbed to about $3,100, and he now puts another $1,000 a month towards the mortgage. Then came expenses he might never have faced as a renter. His strata fee increased from about $380 -Christopher Mascarenhas to $509 a month. Work on his building resulted in an $18,000 expense, while fencing cost another $3,500. These different from paying $2,500 in rent. Add are the costs that can disappear from property taxes, insurance, strata fees, the rent-versus-buy debate. A $3,000 maintenance and an unexpected repair mortgage may not look dramatically bill, and the picture can change quickly.

“If I have enough money for a down payment and can comfortably manage the mortgage, I would rather put that money toward my own home than spend it helping someone else pay off theirs.”

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Mayur Arora, owner and realtor at One Flat Fee Real Estate, says looking only at monthly payments can also understate one of the main financial advantages of owning. His argument is leverage. Take a $1-million home bought with a $200,000 down payment. “You are playing with a million dollars,” he says. The buyer may have invested $200,000, but any appreciation is based on the value of the entire property. The same logic can hurt when prices fall. Mayur says buyers should therefore be prepared to stay invested rather than expect a quick return. In the current market, he believes buyers should ideally be prepared to hold a property for at least two to three years. Location matters just as much. Mayur sees buying opportunities in Vancouver's Lower Mainland and the Greater Toronto Area, where softer conditions have given purchasers more room to negotiate. Renting may make more sense in parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec, depending on local prices and a person's finances. For first-time buyers, Mayur says the decision should begin before scrolling through listings or walking into an open house. “The first step is mortgage pre-approval,” he says. It tells buyers what they can realistically afford before they become emotionally attached to a home outside their budget. He also recommends speaking to an experienced mortgage broker who can compare options across lenders. There is also a side to homeownership that numbers cannot fully capture. For many South Asian families in Canada, owning a home carries emotional weight. It can mean stability, permanence, and something tangible to build for the next generation. Canada's cooler housing market has made the decision more interesting, not necessarily easier. Buyers have more room to negotiate. Renters have more choice. Neither option is automatically the smarter one. Renting can make sense while you are finding

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One of the biggest pieces of advice I give eligible home buyers is to look at the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan. It allows you to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free toward a qualifying home, while giving you years to replenish those funds back into your RRSP. It can be a very powerful tool when planning your down payment. -Mayur Arora Owner and Realtor, One Flat Fee Real Estate your feet. Buying can make sense when your finances, status and future feel more settled. The real question is not simply whether you can afford the down payment or make the mortgage every month. It is whether the home you buy fits the life you are building, and whether you can comfortably afford to keep it.

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DARPAN SALUTES

In a country where there were absolutely no services for the children with disabilities, we founded The Spastics Society of India to demonstrate what was possible.”

By Aprameya VN

HOW

DR. MITHU ALUR

-Dr. Mithu Alur Founder-Chairperson

PICTURES OURTESY: DR. MITHU ALUR, INSTAGRAM/ADAPT_MUMBAI

Changed the Conversation Around Disability in India

hen Dr. Mithu Alur’s daughter Malini was born with cerebral palsy, doctors gave the young parents little hope. At one of India’s premier medical institutions, they were told that their daughter had suffered brain damage, that it was irreversible, and that little could be done. “My husband and I refused to accept this verdict,” Alur recalls. They were only 22 and 24 then. The couple travelled to England, where Malini was reassessed. She was found to have aboveaverage intelligence, with an IQ of 120. What struck Alur just as much was the way her daughter was treated there, with dignity, sensitivity, and professional care. That experience became a

turning point. Quoting Mother Teresa, Alur says some people come into our lives as blessings and some as lessons. “I believe Malini is both.” More than five decades later, Dr. Alur, founder-chairperson and president of Able Disabled All People Together (ADAPT), formerly The Spastics Society of India, has spent much of her life fighting to move disability out of the narrow confines of welfare and into education, employment and public policy. When There Was Almost Nowhere to Go The India Alur returned to had few options for children like Malini. In 1966, disability education

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

had been shifted from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Social Welfare. According to Alur, government data at the time showed that only 10 per cent of persons with disabilities received any services. For her, that summed up the problem: the system was offering welfare, not education. Entrenched attitudes and broken policies, she felt, had to change. The attitudes she encountered could be startling. A health minister, she recalls, once asked, “What is spastic? Is it plastic?” Another question was even more telling: “Why educate them?” Children with cerebral palsy were largely kept at home, with almost no

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN SALUTES institutional support available to them. In 1972, Alur founded The Spastics Society of India in Mumbai to show that a different model was possible. “In a country where there were absolutely no services for the children with disabilities, we founded The Spastics Society of India to demonstrate what was possible,” she says. The model brought education, therapy, healthcare, and emotional and social development under one roof. She describes the approach as “a little bit of kindness with a large dose of expertise”. From Special Schools to Inclusion Alur’s work, however, did not stop at creating better special schools. Over time, she began questioning the idea of segregation itself. “We began with our first model of a special school. We then moved towards inclusion,” she says. ADAPT widened its admission policy and began looking at inclusion in a broader way. For Alur, inclusive education was not just about children with special needs, but about all children who faced barriers to learning because of disability, gender, caste, class, or religion. “It’s not just a disability-only issue, but an educational quality issue,” she says. That thinking took ADAPT beyond its own classrooms. Inclusive nurseries were started in Dharavi and other inner-city areas, and the organization began working with regular schools as well.

education was launched in 1978. Over the meaningfully to society. ADAPT years, the model travelled across India. is now working towards the Mithu ADAPT says it now has a presence across Alur University for Inclusive Studies, all 28 states. Its reach has also gone beyond envisaged as a multidisciplinary the country. Since 2001, the Community postgraduate institution focused on Initiatives in Inclusion program has trained teaching, research and community 414 participants from 23 countries across engagement. It has also started an the Asia-Pacific region. international journal focused on Through four North-South inclusion and disability. Dialogues on Inclusive Education, Alur Recognition has followed Taking The Fight to Policy also pushed back against the idea that Alur’s long journey. A Padma Shri developing countries simply had to copy recipient, she was most recently Alur also realized that helping individual Western models. “Every region can do conferred the Lifetime Achievement children would have limited impact inclusive education, but differently from Award on July 31 by the International unless government policy changed too. the West,” she says, arguing that inclusion Forum of Inclusion Practitioners at Her doctoral research at the University has to be shaped by local cultures, a conference organized by the World of London examined the exclusion resources and realities. Inclusion Congress in New Delhi of children with disabilities from for her contribution to inclusive government education policy. The work Five Decades On, What Next? education, disability rights and social was later published as The Forgotten transformation. Millions: Invisible Children. More than 50 years after she began, Alur is For Alur, one lesson from five Training became another still looking ahead. decades of work stands out: change major part of ADAPT’s work. She says her vision has does not have to wait for the entire Courses were introduced for teachers, always been to move beyond care system to be ready. For Dr. Mithu Alur, therapists, community workers, and towards empowerment, creating that movement began with one child, parents, and government officials, pathways for people with disabilities one family, and a refusal to accept that while a postgraduate diploma in special to live independently and contribute nothing could be done.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FITNESS

By Asma Kassam

The Power of

Fall

BELONGING: Finding Community this

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

s someone who identified as a happy, content lone wolf for many years, it wasn’t until I turned 40 that I began to understand the value of community. I had friends, family, people I could call, and group chats that were always active. I wasn’t necessarily lonely, but I began to feel the difference between having people in my life and having somewhere I belonged where I was understood and wasn’t required to overperform. I learned that community is not just being around other people; rather, it is a group of people connected by shared interests, values, and experiences. In 2026, if anyone were to ask me for the best step they could take for their mental and physical health, it would be: find your people. Intentional connection nourishes our hearts and has the power to fuel us into action. As we settle back into a steadier routine this fall, it is a great time to look at our

Asma Kassam is a Dubai-based health and ﬁtness professional, writer, and marketing strategist specializing in women’s wellness and performance. With a background in kinesiology and experience leading ﬁtness communities, her work explores the intersection of strength training, nervous system health, and sustainable wellness.

Instagram: @findyourflow_fitness

schedules and ask not only where our time is going, but what is actually filling our cup. Where is the time for us to feel more fulfilled? Being in my forties, areas that required me to continuously give energy were something I found myself distancing from. I preferred to protect my peace; however, what I noticed

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Email: asma@activekinetix.com Website: www.activekinetix.com

came along with that was a slight pull back from being around other people. This lone wolf was not quite thriving as before. For many of the women I work with, life is full. Family commitments are plentiful. Careers and businesses are demanding. Add taking care of health and everything else that keeps

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FITNESS

life moving, and suddenly another week has gone by. For women in their late thirties, forties and beyond, I believe there is another important layer to this. Our bodies and priorities are changing. The natural hormonal shifts can make us more conscious of where we spend our energy, and where we are restoring it. Being in the health and fitness space, conversations I have often are around recovery, motivation versus discipline, hormones, and nutrition. From a biochemistry lens, the body releases something called Oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide involved in bonding, trust, and social connection. It interacts with the systems that influence our stress response, helping us understand why meaningful connections can leave us feeling calmer, safer, and more restored. So how do we get more of it? Sometimes we are already connected to community through group chats or other online platforms; however, the key is finding a community that allows you to feel a deeper connection to yourself and to others

Sometimes the greatest investment in our health is simply finding a place where we belong.”

in this season of life. After being part of many communities personally and professionally, now at 41, I find the richest community experiences are consistent, in-person gatherings with women who understand and support each other. For me, one of those places unexpectedly became sports. As a lifelong health and fitness coach, after 40, my desire to hit the gym started fading. However, I also knew

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

my physical health was directly linked to my mental health. Feeling myself pulling back was something I knew I needed to figure out. Sure enough, when we set an intention, opportunities arise. Not only did I come across a dragon boating team of ladies, which became one of the greatest additions to my life, but I also opened my mind and was lucky to find a nearby studio with amazing vibes. The dragon boating ladies gather on the marina two mornings a week. Some drive over an hour after school drop-off. I immediately noticed a shift in my entire being. We celebrate each other's birthdays on the water, do race weekends, connect on our group chat, and support each other's practices and businesses. Because dragon boating is a seasonal sport, I was also looking for something more consistent dayto-day. The studio I joined was an immediate yes. The friendly coaches, other members on their own journey, being able to go at my own pace, and being partnered on the same station with a stranger brings me

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

joy. It is the best 45 minutes of my day. This experience reinforced something I have seen throughout my career: we tend to approach health as an entirely individual responsibility. We tell ourselves we need more discipline, need to work out, need to eat better, or need to get ourselves back on track. And while personal responsibility matters, sometimes we are asking ourselves to do too much of it alone. Connecting, receiving support, laughing, and sometimes crying can be exactly what fills our cup. So, this fall, if you are looking to fill your cup and no longer feel like you have to do it all on your own, I can’t recommend finding a community that aligns with you enough. It doesn't have to look like mine. It may be a sports team, a fitness studio, a walking group, or a cultural community. Start by finding somewhere that feels good enough to return to. Because perhaps one of the greatest investments we can make in our health isn't another thing we have to accomplish. It's finding a place where we can simply show up, be ourselves, and know that our presence matters.

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DARPAN Food

STRAWBERRY & PISTACHIO

Chef

PICTURES COURTESY: CHEF RAHUL NEGI

Rahul Negi

French Toast Ingredients

For the Strawberry Compote: • • •

1 cup frozen strawberries, whole 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Born in northern India near the foothills For the Pistachio Anglaise: of the Himalayas, Chef Rahul Negi grew • 4 egg yolks • 1/3 cup sugar up surrounded by mountains, forests, and • 1 cup heavy cream (33%) simple, soulful cooking that brought people • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean together. After completing a bachelor's depaste) gree and advanced training in Culinary Arts, • 3 tablespoons houseChef Rahul began his professional journey made pistachio paste (blanched, pureed at Setz, one of India’s top multi-cuisine pistachios) restaurants featuring seven live kitchens. His international experience, including time For the French Toast: • 2 thick-cut slabs spent in kitchens across Asia, Australia, and Shokupan bread on global cruise lines, taught him adapt• 2 large eggs ability, discipline, and an appreciation for • 1/2 cup milk • 1 teaspoon cinnamon diverse culinary traditions. In 2020, Rahul powder moved to Canada with a dream: to open his • 1 tablespoon sugar own restaurant that reflected his experiences To Finish: and philosophy. That dream came to life with • 3 tbsp pistachio, crushed Loam Bistro, a vibrant, chef-driven brunch • 1 tbsp powdered sugar, and dinner destination in Vancouver. Loam’s for dusting menu celebrates global inspiration through a distinctly West Coast lens, blending playful creativity with refined technique. Dishes like the Bone Marrow Omelet, Pistachio French Toast, and Loam-style Shakshuka have quickly become signatures, embodying the restaurant’s mission to reimagine brunch SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM with82 color, soul, and |sophistication.

Directions

For the Strawberry Compote: 1. Toss the whole strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, and let sit until they release their juices. 2. Drain off the liquid, keeping the strawberries whole (do not crush), then gently cook them down with a little more sugar until glossy. Set aside.

For the Pistachio Anglaise:

1. Gently warm the heavy cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and well combined. 3. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly, to temper the eggs. Gradually whisk in the rest of the cream. 4. Return the mixture to low heat and cook gently, stirring constantly, until it reaches 82-85°C (180-185°F) and coats the back of a spoon (nappe stage). Do not let it simmer or boil, or the eggs will curdle. 5. Remove from heat immediately, stir in the vanilla, and strain through a fine sieve. 6. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the pistachio paste until smooth and evenly incorporated. Set aside.

For the French Toast:

1. Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar into a custard. Soak the Shokupan bread slabs in the custard until well saturated. 2. Cook the soaked bread slabs in a pan until golden and set on both sides.

To Finish:

1. Pool the pistachio anglaise on the plate, place the French toast on top, and spoon the strawberry compote generously over it. 2. Dust with powdered sugar and finish with a generous scatter of crushed pistachio over the top and around the plate. TM

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Truffle Omelet

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Ingredients

For the Vegetable Velouté: • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon flour 1/2 cup vegetable stock 1/4 cup milk 1/2 tablespoon truffle oil 1 teaspoon Tobiko (fish roe) Salt, pinch Black pepper, cracked, pinch

Teja Gur is foil-sealed to ensure maximum freshness & quality!

For the Omelet & Filling: • • •

4 organic dark yolk eggs 1 cup mushroom medley, sautéed 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

To Finish: • • • •

1/2 tablespoon truffle oil, for drizzling 1 teaspoon tobiko (fish roe) Fresh truffle, for shaving Chives, finely chopped

Directions For Vegetable Velouté:

1. Melt the butter in a small pot and whisk in the flour. Cook gently for a minute or two to cook out the taste of raw flour, without browning. 2. Slowly whisk in the vegetable stock, a little at a time, until smooth and lump-free. Simmer gently until it thickens into a light sauce. 3. Stir in the milk to loosen the sauce to a pourable consistency, then season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the truffle oil. Remove from heat and gently fold in the tobiko last, so the eggs stay whole. Set aside.

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For Omelet & Filling:

1. Sauté the mushroom medley with the chopped parsley until tender. Set aside to use as the omelet filling. 2. Whisk the eggs and cook into a thin French-style omelet in a nonstick pan over gentle heat. 3. Spoon the sautéed mushroom filling into the center of the omelet and roll it into a log.

To Finish:

1. Spoon and pour the prepared vegetable velouté (with tobiko) over and around the rolled omelet on the plate. 2. Finish with a scatter of chives, shave fresh truffle over the top, and TM drizzle with the truffle oil.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Style

When Light Meets Luxury:

JAYANTI REDDY’S

THE GILDED ERA By Shweta Kulkarni

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style Regarded as one of the finest names in Indian couture, designer Jayanti Reddy’s eponymous label has, since its inception, won over fashion connoisseurs with its elegant, understated approach to Indian occasion wear, combining naturally dyed, handwoven textiles with intricate hand embroidery and refined craftsmanship.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Style

ooted in India's rich textile traditions yet designed with the modern-day woman in mind, the label has carved out a distinctive design language that strikes a delicate balance between heritage, sophistication and modernity. Each design from this fashion house reflects a deep commitment to artisanal excellence, creating timeless pieces that celebrate the enduring beauty of Indian craftsmanship. The recent collection from Jayanti Reddy—The Gilded Era—carries that legacy forward. Unveiled at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, in association with Nexxus New York, The Gilded Era leans into a quieter, more nuanced expression of luxury, where luminosity is approached with restraint, and opulence is articulated through refinement rather than excess. The Jayanti Reddy Label describes the collection as, “Where light lingers across every surface, and intricate embellishments reveal depth. Where texture, light, and movement come together to reveal new dimensions. Every surface is composed to shift with light, uncovering texture, depth and meticulous handwork” Further talking about the collection, Jayanti explains, “The collection is shaped by the interplay of light and shadow, intricate handwork

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style

and sculptural form, marking a defining new chapter for the house.” For Jayanti, who has constantly drawn inspiration from everything around her, The Gilded Era edit is essentially about turning light into a design element. And the talented designer brought her vision to life by using sequins, metallic threads and intricate embellishments layered with remarkable precision, creating garments that reveal dimension, movement and texture as they

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DARPAN Style

catch the light. A new addition to her signature palette, ‘black’ brings a sharper contrast into the eclectic mix, tempering the radiance with depth and giving the house's romantic aesthetic a more contemporary edge. What stands out is that despite the use of all the embellishments and shimmer, The Gilded Era never tips into excess; rather, it enthralls with its luxury and delicate charm. Speaking of the delicate craftsmanship, Jayanti mentions, “We refined our embroideries, introduced stronger contrasts through black, and focused on silhouettes that allowed the craftsmanship to truly shine.” Comprising sixty looks in total, fifty womenswear and ten menswear, The Gilded Era presents a complete couture narrative rooted in elegance, precision, and modernity. At the heart of the collection are 11–12 hero pieces, each conceived to showcase exceptional craftsmanship and intricate surface detailing, without losing the sense of fluidity. Amongst the hero pieces are the gorgeous golden Sharara with an off-shoulder peplum blouse, embellished with sequins, zari work, embroidery and beads, worn on the runway by Aditi Rao Hydari.

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style

The rest of the collection carries that same intent through its craftsmanship. There are embroidered corsets and flowing kaftans; jackets defined by dense metallic thread work; heavily worked lehengas layered with crystals, sequins, beads and metallic embroidery. One standout pairing is an embroidered lehenga with a fitted corset—worked in antique silver zari, sequins, florals, paisley-inspired curves and geometric motifs, styled alongside a muted silver-and-blush bandhgala sherwani with light blush trousers. Heavily embroidered mermaid lehengas and intricately worked sherwanis round out much of the line. Structured corsets, elongated tunics, fluid kaftans and dramatic trail skirts, all signature Jayanti Reddy silhouettes, return here reimagined with a lighter hand, building a wardrobe that holds couture artistry and everyday wearability in balance. “The result is couture defined not by ornamentation alone, but by precision, proportion and an instinctive sense of elegance,” explains the brand. Rooted in the label's enduring reverence for Indian craftsmanship, The Gilded Era reimagines heritage through a contemporary lens. Rather than treating craft as nostalgia or chasing novelty for its own sake, Jayanti Reddy evolves artisanal

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Style

technique for the modern woman, bringing sculptural construction, fluid tailoring and intricate handwork together in pieces that feel timeless without feeling dated. Traditional zardozi embroidery and thread work are refined here to feel lighter and more architecturally precise, with silhouettes deliberately pared back so the handwork can take center stage. “Every element has been thoughtfully considered, not only for its beauty, but for the way it interacts with the body, revealing texture, movement and light with every step.” For Jayanti, the collection is ultimately an exploration of luxury that whispers rather than shouts. She says, “The Gilded Era is my exploration of a quieter kind of luxury. I wanted to create pieces where craftsmanship speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression, where every embellishment, every texture and every silhouette feels intentional. The collection is inspired by the way light transforms a garment, revealing different dimensions with movement. It is rooted in traditional Indian craftsmanship but interpreted with a sense of modernity and restraint that reflects how I see couture evolving today.”

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style

A favorite on the red carpet and among Bollywood celebrities, designs from the Jayanti Reddy label are often embraced by the likes of Malaika Arora, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Genelia Deshmukh, Tamannaah Bhatia and Tara Sutaria. The label’s appeal lies truly in its ability to be inspired by elements of newness, surprises and re-imagining Indian-ness to give rise to looks that are entirely modern. With The Gilded Era, Jayanti Reddy adds another chapter to that story. It is couture that celebrates the richness of Indian craft without being weighed down by it; glamor that finds strength in restraint; and a collection where light does more than illuminate the garment. The Gilded Era is available at Jayanti Reddy’s flagship stores in Hyderabad, New Delhi and Mumbai, and online at jayantireddy. com

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN BEAUTY

A LIGHTER Touch:

Makeup that FLATTERS

Age

as You

s we edge into the later years of life, it’s clear that on the outside we’re not the same people we were at, say, 50 as we are at 30. So, what does that mean for a beauty or makeup routine that has served you well until that point? Some women might find they need to make big adjustments, and others not so much. 92

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By Michele Marko

“I don’t think there’s a specific age where a woman should change how she wears makeup,” says David Vincent, national artist & creative specialist for Watier Cosmetics. “It’s more about how the skin is because we don’t age like everyone else. When you notice major changes with your skin, it's time to reevaluate the application or product selection you’re using.” Whether you’re 25 or 55, a polished makeup look starts with good skin prep, which Vincent insists is essential, and if you haven’t had one in the past, once you hit your 40s and beyond, it becomes a must. He suggests at least using a good moisturizer combined with a nourishing primer to create a smoother canvas for the product to adhere to the skin. And don’t overlook the lips either; keeping them conditioned and hydrated will help them

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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where you need it rather than over a large area.

I don’t think there’s a specific age where a woman should change how she wears makeup. It’s more about how the skin is because we don’t age like everyone else. When you notice major changes with your skin, it's time to reevaluate the application or product selection you’re using."

When it comes to applying blush on an older face, the positioning and technique that worked in your 20s doesn’t give you the same effect as when you’re older. To achieve a lifted, more youthful look, Vincent says it’s important to think in terms of upwards, outwards, and strategically placed rather than adding more makeup. The objective is to visually bring attention to the highest point of the face to counteract what gravity is doing. “Try to place the blush slightly higher on the cheek,” he advises. “If you want color on the apple of the cheek, apply it on the upper part of the apple of the cheek and then blend it towards the temples. That will create the impression of lifted cheekbones. You will bring attention to the upper part of the face. If it seems a bit higher than what you would normally do, then it’s what you should be doing. Same thing with bronzer. It should be placed

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David Vincent National Artist & Creative Specialist, Watier Cosmetics

Light

look fuller and also be a better surface for product application and appearance. Having a lighter touch, be it with the amount or type of makeup applied or how it’s applied, can make a marked difference in whether your makeup ages or flatters you. Vincent advises letting go of full-coverage foundation and heavy powders that can settle into textured skin and create a mask-like effect. Instead, he suggests going for lightweight but buildable coverage and then applying more foundation or using a corrector or concealer for areas that you want to camouflage. “I understand that sometimes women of a certain age have dark spots or uneven skin tone, so the go-to is to put more and more full coverage with a full-coverage foundation because it’s one product and one application. You will hide everything, but the overall look won’t look as natural, fresh, and luminous as if you used something a bit more lightweight and buildable coverage, and, where there are specific areas that need more coverage, you can build up the coverage. The overall perception of you… will be way more natural,” adds Vincent. Look for products that have added skin care benefits in the formulation that will keep skin hydrated. Applying foundation in small amounts helps avoid over-heavy coverage. Tools matter, but technique is more important, Vincent says. Start with a small amount of product and have a light, gentle touch rather than working a lot of product aggressively into the skin. “Having small stable movements or circular motions, I use a brush or sponge to press and remove excess product rather than applying the product with the sponge,” he explains. “That will leave the skin looking incredibly natural. You can always use a damp sponge with no product to dab on the skin to remove any excess product. You should avoid anything vigorous or dragging down with any tool.” Use smaller brushes for eyeshadow, concealer or blush to more precisely position the product exactly

Skin

PICTURES COURTESY: DAVID VINCENT, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

DARPAN BEAUTY

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Glow

Hair Salon We are specialized in: • Hair Cuts • Threading • Hair Color • Waxing • Facial • Make-up

Tel: 604.525.9298 higher as well—up on the perimeter of the forehead and higher on the cheek rather than a stripe on the cheekbones. You’re mimicking what the sun would do to your face anyway.” Vincent observes that the key to a youthful look is having a lighter hand with every aspect of your makeup from brows to contouring to eyeliner. He suggests going with a highlighter instead of dark contouring to achieve definition and volume. “Everything that can look harsh and heavy, I think you should tone it down a bit,” he says. Adapting to a changing face and complexion doesn’t mean you need to forfeit your well-earned personal style. If you’ve had a signature lip color, keep it, Vincent says. Maybe pair it with a lip liner for a fuller lip and to prevent feathering. “My approach is, you do you,” he states. “I think you can keep your individuality and even adopt trends for your face.”

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Just do it with a lighter touch.

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DARPAN MOVIES

By Shweta Kulkarni

inephiles have more than one reason to rejoice as the months ahead promise an exciting slate of films, with big franchises, real-life stories, mythology and familiar characters all making their way to the big screen. Gear up; there is plenty of entertainment in store for all film buffs!

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.IMDB.COM, INSTAGRAM/MADDOCKUNIVERSE

Release date: November 8, 2026 Directed by: Nitesh Tiwari Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol

RAMAYANA

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious Indian films on the horizon. With Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Ma Sita and Yash as Ravana, the epic is being brought to the big screen as a two-part cinematic adaptation. Designed for IMAX, the film also boasts a remarkable musical collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Speaking about the project, Yash said, “I think this is India’s dream. Everybody in this film has come with one vision, one conviction—to put our story on a global platform. So, all of us are here, keeping all our interests aside. We have only one interest: to tell Prabhu Shriram’s story to the global audience, and also to celebrate him in our country.”

Release date: September 4, 2026 Directed by: Gurmmeet Singh Starring: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Ravi Kishan

MIRZAPUR: THE MOVIE 96

After three hugely successful seasons on Prime Video, the popular action-crime thriller web-series Mirzapur is making its grand arrival on the big screen with Mirzapur: The Movie. The familiar battle for control of Mirzapur takes center stage once again, with Kaleen Bhaiya, Guddu and Munna at the heart of the chaos. Speaking about the film, Prime Video’s Director of Content, Manish Menghani, said, “With its nuanced characters, unforgettable dialogues, and riveting storyline, ‘Mirzapur’ has established itself as one of the most-loved franchises among audiences of today’s era. As ‘Mirzapur’ continues to garner widespread acclaim, we are ecstatic to expand this franchise into theatres, offering fans a thrilling cinematic experience.” If the series was intense, the big screen promises to make the drama even bigger. So don’t miss this dhamaka on the big screen.

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN MOVIES

DRISHYAM 3 Release date: October 2, 2026 Directed by: Abhishek Pathak Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav

The ultimate game of wits is back. Ajay Devgn returns as the master planner Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam 3, the much-anticipated third instalment of the celebrated crime-thriller franchise. The film hits the marquee on October 2, 2026, a date now closely associated with the Drishyam franchise, and brings back its favorite cast - Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav. The first look of the film is accompanied by the tagline ‘aakhri hissa baaki hai,’ and promises to take Vijay’s battle to protect his family to its most intense stage yet. While Drishyam and Drishyam 2 were remakes of the South Indian films of the same name, Drishyam 3 will also be adapted from its Malayalam counterpart, with director Abhishek Pathak promising significant changes for the Hindi audience. Speaking about the film, the director said, “Our Hindi audience has a different taste and palate. We made changes in Drishyam 2 as well, and the audience appreciated them. We have also made changes to the story and screenplay for this instalment, and the audience will notice the difference.”

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

PRAHAAR: THE UNTOLD STORY OF UJJWAL NIKAM Release date: October 16, 2026 Directed by: Avinash Arun Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Lalit Prabhakar

Nothing quite matches the thrill of a gripping courtroom drama, and it becomes all the more compelling when inspired by real events. Starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in the lead roles, Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam tells the story of one of India’s most prominent public prosecutors and his role in some of the country’s most high-profile criminal trials, including the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. Actor Lalit Prabhakar, who plays Ajmal Kasab in the film, said, “The film talks about the truth. It is based on true events and the facts are not distorted.” The makers have confirmed that Prahaar goes beyond courtroom proceedings to explore the immense public pressure, personal stakes and emotional weight surrounding some of India’s most significant criminal trials. With the tagline ‘Killing Kasab was easy, proving who sent him was war’, the 26/11 case is clearly at the heart of the story.

HAIWAAN Release date: September 11, 2026 Directed by: Priyadarshan Starring: Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Saiyami Kher, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar

There is plenty of buzz around Haiwaan, and rightly so. The film not only reunites the iconic 90s duo and Main Khiladi Tu Anari co-stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades, but it also marks director Priyadarshan’s return to the intense action-thriller genre after a considerable gap. Haiwaan is based on Priyadarshan’s acclaimed 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred legendary Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. However, Priyadarshan is quick to point out that the Hindi film is not a direct remake. “Haiwaan is not a remake. Every time I remake or adapt my own film, I always change the film. If you see Bhool Bhulaiyaa, it is not Chandramukhi. I always adapt according to the culture, according to the city; for example, my film Gardish originally has a village backdrop, but I shot in Mumbai’s underworld. I only use the soul of the story; I have done the same with Haiwaan.” With Akshay and Saif sharing the screen again and Priyadarshan at the helm, Haiwaan has all the ingredients of an edge-of-theseat entertainer.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Travel

Beyond the Jeep Safari:

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

By Shweta Kulkarni

For most wildlife junkies, bouncing along in a 4x4, kicking up a cloud of dust into dense, untamed wilderness to spot the mighty kings and queens of the jungle, is the ultimate safari experience. And there is no denying the thrill of doing it the traditional way. But wildlife safaris, or game drives, as they are often called, have now moved well beyond the open-top jeep drives in the rugged jungles. Here's a lowdown on how you can experience the wild beyond the jeep safari.

100

Hot-Air Balloon Safari: Breathtaking is too small a word to describe the African savannah— dotted with ancient acacia trees which stretch into a landscape that feels both majestic and wonderfully untamed. And experiencing this wilderness come alive from a hot-air balloon at dawn is akin to pure magic. The horizon lights up in multiple shades of orange as the first rays of the sun kiss the bountiful landscape below, and the savannah slowly awakens beneath you. Herds of elephants wandering between the

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

acacias, the long necks of giraffes casting a mystical shadow as they move, zebras moving in restless lines, hippos dozing in water, and if you are lucky, a lioness making an early kill. Time this with the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara River, and the view from above becomes a memory that will never fade. When the balloon finally touches down, the morning ends the way it should: with a glass of champagne in the midst of the wilderness. Serengeti, Tanzania, and the Masai Mara, Kenya are the best places to indulge in this experience.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

International Business

Fly non-stop from Vancouver to Sydney Enjoy direct flights from Vancouver to Sydney three times a week, all year round. From iconic beaches to vibrant city life, Australia’s harbour city offers the perfect escape. Together, Qantas and our codeshare partner WestJet have Australia and Canada covered. Discover where we can take you with our extensive connected networks. Visit qantas.com or contact your local travel agent to book now.

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101

DARPAN Travel

Kayak & Canoe Safari in the Amazon: If you are a wildlife enthusiast, your bucket list is not complete without a trip to the world’s largest rainforest– the Amazon. Spanning nine countries in South America, the best way to explore it is via a river expedition on a canoe. Unlike motorized tours, a traditional canoe offers a quieter, more immersive way to experience the incredibly rich bio habitat of the Amazon. Gliding through narrow creeks, calm lagoons, and seasonally flooded igapó forests, this tour takes you deep into the heart of the Amazon, where one can witness monkeys swinging through the canopy, sloths hanging motionless, river otters, flashes of color from birds overhead, and, with some luck, a caiman or a pink river dolphin, and the vibrant life of the rainforest.

Walking Safari: Famously known as a bush walk or game walk, a walking safari is truly the most intimate way to experience a forest. Designed specifically for those who enjoy the unhurried ways of life, a walking safari slows things down and lets you notice what a jeep would drive straight past. A bush walk typically runs two to four hours, in the cool of early morning or late afternoon, with small groups of four to eight people, and requires one to remain as quiet as possible to witness the magic unfold right before their eyes. Every walk is led by trained forest guards, who ensure your safety throughout the experience. Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania are the ideal destinations to experience a game walk. In India, Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh offers walking and mobile camping safaris, which give you an opportunity to experience the dense forests of India.

Horseback Safaris: Horseback safaris are among the most exhilarating ways to experience wildlife and explore vast, diverse landscapes. Because wild animals often perceive horses as part of their natural environment, riders can get remarkably close to wildlife without causing disturbance. Few experiences compare galloping across open terrain alongside giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and other animals while taking in the sights from a unique horse-eye perspective. While horseback safaris are widely offered across Africa in destinations such as Botswana, Namibia and Kenya’s Masai Mara, India offers its own extraordinary version in Jawai, Rajasthan. Known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, Jawai promises exceptional wildlife sightings on a horseback safari.

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GILL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Connecting people to Places Since 1982

Plan Your Next Adventure With Us Our team of travel experts is ready to help you out. Get in touch today

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604.589.9000 604.833.9500 info@gilltravel.com www.gilltravel.com TM

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Tundra Buggy Safari: Speak of unique safari experiences, and it is hard to leave the Tundra Buggy Safari off the list. Set in Churchill, Canada, famously known as the Polar Bear Capital of the world, this iconic sub-arctic adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to see polar bears in their natural habitat. The specially designed tundra buggy, with its jumbo tires and raised viewing deck, moves safely across the frozen, uneven terrain, offering sweeping views of the wild Arctic landscape. For best sightings, it is advisable to plan the trip between October and November, when polar bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to form so they can head out to hunt seals. Beyond the bears, the Arctic landscape itself is hypnotic: an endless expanse of pristine white, crisp air, and profound silence equals pure bliss. And when night falls, the ethereal northern lights may illuminate the sky, transforming the Arctic wilderness into a dramatic canvas unlike anything you have ever seen before.

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Champion of the Crescent 2026: DARPAN Magazine proudly supported the 2026 Champion of the Crescent, hosted by Surrey Hospitals Foundation and presented by EllisDon. Bringing 25 teams together at Crescent Beach, the event raised an incredible $213,545 for specialized youth mental health programs at Surrey Memorial Hospital, supporting critical services that provide acute psychiatric care, stabilization, and treatment for children and youth across the Lower Mainland.

FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver: DARPAN Magazine was thrilled to experience FIFA World Cup 2026 fever firsthand, attending multiple matches hosted in Vancouver and soaking up the electric energy along Granville Street. From packed crowds to celebrations across downtown, it was an unforgettable summer of football, community, and memories, and an incredible time to be in Vancouver.

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Canada Cup International Field Hockey Tournament 2026:

The DARPAN team joined thousands of spectators at the 2026 Canada Cup International Field Hockey Tournament for three action-packed days of sport and community. Hosted by the West Coast Kings Field Hockey Society, the tournament welcomed teams from across North America, celebrating exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and the growing passion for field hockey in British Columbia.

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DARPAN DARPANAUTOREVIEW AUTOREVIEW

2026

LEXUS GX 550 RUGGED LUXURY

PICTURES COURTESY: MEDIA.LEXUS.CA/

he current third-gen Lexus GX was first reimagined when it launched for the 2024 model year, emerging as a boxy, clearly utility-forward SUV sharing a platform (TNGA-F/ GA-F) with the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. The latest offering is largely unchanged, other than adding standard Lexus Safety System + 3.0 Extended support. “For more than 20 years, the Lexus GX has encouraged Canadian guests to go beyond the pavement, and the adventure continues for 2026 with this SUV’s winning combination of impressive capability, rugged styling, modern luxury, and state-of-the-art technology,” says Lexus Canada Director Martin Gilbert in a media release.

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By Benjamin Yong

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $115,478 (AS TESTED)

MOTOR: 3.4-LITER TWIN-TURBOCHARGED V6 HORSEPOWER: 349 @ 4,800 RPM TORQUE (LB-FT): 479 @ 2,000 RPM GEARBOX: 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC LAYOUT: FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FUEL ECONOMY: 17.6 L/100 KM (OBSERVED COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY)

“When our guests are ready to pursue adventures beyond the horizon, the GX has the powertrain, enhanced with state-of-the-art handling and control technologies, that’s ready to take them there. This year, we’ve enhanced the Signature grade—the foundation model on which all others are built—to ensure every GX is also packed with exceptional Lexus safety technology.” Darpan tested the first-ever Overtrail+ grade, inspired by the Overtrail Project debuted at the 2023 Tokyo Outdoor Show encompassing a sustainable design philosophy and initiative encouraging eco-friendly motorized adventures, boasting all kinds of aesthetic and functional enhancements. Featuring a wider track than

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standard variants, the two-tone Nori Green Pearl with a black roof nicely matched the gunmetal 18-inch wheels shod with 33-inch all-terrain tires and dark fender flares. The colors are complemented inside by vegan Olive Ultrasuede upholstery and exclusive front massage seats. Aside from being much squarer and truck-like than the outgoing version, the overall vehicle is significantly larger, possessing a 70-millimeter longer total length (60-millimeter longer wheelbase) and approximately 45-millimeter taller height. Standing nearly 2,000 millimeters high, it may be wise to measure your garage or parkade entrance to ensure the clearance will accommodate the factory roof rails. Children and seniors may also struggle

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to enter and exit the cabin as there is no adjustable air suspension offered. Unfortunately, the regular GX’s third row is deleted on Overtrail trims in lieu of weight savings and a larger cargo capacity. The interior does a good balancing act of providing luxury and ruggedness, packing a 14-inch infotainment touch screen, 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, acoustic side glass, illuminated aluminum scuff plates, cooling box and more. A 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine, while not the most fuel-efficient, has plenty of oomph with quick acceleration, and power is distributed via full-time four-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip electronic (Overtrail only) locking rear differential, ensuring traction is always there when needed. The off-road-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension automatically adjusts damping force to soak up bumps and provide optimal control, and there are user-selectable pre-sets to customize the ride quality for different environments. In addition, dynamic driving modes like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control further tailor the experience. Finally, the aforementioned Lexus Safety System + 3.0 Extended is now equipped across the lineup and bundles four extras, including Traffic Jam Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Monitor Camera, and Lane Change Assist. The 2026 Lexus GX 550 is in store and retails for MSRP $90,763.

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2026

MINI COOPER

S CONVERTIBLE

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.PRESS.BMWGROUP.COM

OPEN AIR FUN

INI celebrates its 25th year under the BMW umbrella, and one of the best examples of the modern MINI era is the Cooper S Convertible that packs all the goodies from the fourth-generation redesign introduced two years ago. "We are very proud to offer our customers a true convertible in the current MINI family. Our new MINI Cooper Convertible offers unmistakable, hallmark driving fun, coupled with boundless freedom and great emotions: Always Open. Iconic design combined with modern technology and connectivity make this vehicle an unrivalled experience for our customers," says Stefan

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By Benjamin Yong

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $47,990 (AS TESTED)

MOTOR: 2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER HORSEPOWER: 201 @ 5,750 RPM TORQUE (LB-FT): 221 @ 1,450 RPM GEARBOX: SEVEN-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH AUTOMATIC LAYOUT: FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FUEL ECONOMY: 10.8 L/100 KM (OBSERVED COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY) Richmann, head of the MINI brand, in a press release. Sticking to a tried-and-true formula, the styling is just different enough to indicate something is different while remaining distinctly recognizable. The familiar circular LED headlamps have fresh signature daytime running light elements, and the even-shorter overhangs and larger octagonal grille further reinforce the car’s resemblance to a street-legal go-kart. The vertical taillights are slightly slimmer in proportion, and the spelled-out Cooper lettering found above the license plate provides a touch of elegance. In a somewhat polarizing

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move, the traditional instrument cluster has been deleted, and all information is now relocated to the round central display. That in itself is not a huge issue; however, given the limited real estate, shoehorning in extra content at the top of the 9.4-inch screen, with a virtual navigation bar at the bottom, means everything appears rather small. The power fabric top is rather clever in that it can be fully stowed in the trunk for maximum sunshine intake, or there’s also a 16-inch partially-open setting still affording an open-air driving feel— much more so than a conventional sunroof. Note when the roof is fully down—the process taking 18 seconds from start to finish at speeds up to 30 km/h—the normally 215-liter-capacity luggage compartment shrinks to a paltry 160 liters,

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making fitting things like a cooler bag a challenging affair. In the closed position, the blind spots are robust—at least blind spot detection is a standard, unlike previous versions where the feature was missing entirely. In addition, taller folks may find themselves having to peek under the sun visor at traffic lights to see when the light turns green. The convertible comes in three performance flavors, with the S nestled between the entry grade and the high-performance JCW variant. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder outputs 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which allows the car to feel super quick off the line but be prepared for some torque steer at the front wheels on aggressive launches. Even though the soft top Cooper has less structural rigidity and more weight than the hatchback, the difference in handling precision will be imperceptible to most, thanks to the sporty suspension and additional bracing. After a decade of being assembled at various facilities around Europe, the MINI Cooper S Convertible production recently returned to the Oxford facility in England. MSRP for the 2026 model starts at $47,990.

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2026

MAZDA CX-90 FULL-SIZE BEAUTY

PICTURES COURTESY: EN.MEDIA.MAZDA.CA

ow three years on after replacing the outgoing CX-9 as Mazda’s flagship crossover, the CX-90 returns for the 2026 model year largely unchanged but still showcases two different hybrid motor setups, three rows of seating and lots of premium features. “At Mazda, our focus is to deliver an ownership experience that enriches the lives of our customers. With each new vehicle launch, we challenge ourselves to progress through our human-centric approach of design and engineering," says Jeff Guyton, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, in a media release during the initial roll-out. "CX-90 offers powerful and responsive performance, alluring

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By Benjamin Yong

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $63,140 (AS TESTED)

MOTOR: 3.3-LITER TURBOCHARGED SIX-CYLINDER HORSEPOWER: 340 @ 5,000 RPM TORQUE (LB-FT): 369 @ 2,000 RPM GEARBOX: EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC LAYOUT: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FUEL ECONOMY: 9.6 L/100 KM (OBSERVED COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY) design, and intuitive technology. We're very proud of our team's work on CX90, which we know is a breakthrough vehicle in its segment." There are six exterior colors to choose from, mostly existing within the brand’s trademark neutral palette range; however, Darpan’s press loaner was coated in the gorgeous Deep Crystal Blue Mica paint. The Mazda Kodo: Soul of Motion Design philosophy, which creates a look of movement even at rest via fluid curves and shifting light reflections, looks especially spectacular thanks to the generously-proportioned body panels of the full-size SUV. The standard metallic black 21inch alloy wheels are a perfect fit for the large vehicle and match the other dark

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

glossy elements like the lower aero bits, wheel arch trim and 3-D grille. Cabinside, occupants experience the upscale interiors that the company has become known for in recent years. Inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, surfaces from the dashboard to the armrests are swathed in plush Nappa leather and complemented by bits of aluminum. Thoughtful attention to detail is present throughout—for example, the split padded armrests that allow the driver or passenger to open their respective side to access the compartment below without disrupting the other’s comfort. Up to eight-passenger capacity is available, though the specific model I was piloting had the complimentary captain’s chairs option installed, giving

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middle occupants more space and a passthrough area in the center to access the third row easily. The cargo capacity behind the back seats isn’t super generous at 423 liters, and there’s no under-floor storage. It was still enough for a day trip outing to watch a baseball game and do some light grocery shopping with four adults and three kids aboard, and if the rear bench is folded, the space grows to 2,100 liters. Our GT-P grade came equipped with the mild-hybrid 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (when using premium fuel; otherwise, output drops to 319 horsepower). This powerful motor propelled the near-5,000-pound SUV more than adequately, and produced a subtle but sporty engine note under acceleration. Despite not demonstrating a particularly light foot while driving a healthy mix of city and highway, the fuel consumption never hit double digits, hovering around 9.6 L/100 km. Standard i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and a suspension comprised of a double wishbone front/multi-link rear setup provided excellent grip, and body roll mitigation was above average for its class. Prices start at $63,140.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS SHARE THEIR STORY

Meet the Thakur Family What inspired you to make the move to Canada, and how has your journey been so far? It started with work. In 2018, I was working as a software developer at my company’s India division when I got the opportunity to move to Canada, and I remain very grateful for it. For Anjli, it was about starting our life together after marriage, and the chance to grow her nursing career in a new country. She’s always loved travelling and exploring new places, so moving across the world felt like the biggest adventure of all. So far, the journey has been more than we could have asked for. Where did you first stay when you arrived in Canada? British Columbia was the first place in Canada for both of us. When I arrived, my employer helped me find a rental—a huge help, because finding a home on your own can be challenging in a new country. By the time Anjli arrived in 2026, I had already set up our home, so she landed straight into a place that felt familiar.

Sandeep Kumar, a software developer and designer, began his Canadian journey in 2018 and now calls Surrey, B.C., home. His wife, Anjli, an internationally educated nurse, joined him in 2026, marking a new chapter as they build a life together. the food, and not having any friends at first. I’m vegetarian, so food was a worry, but we were pleasantly surprised by how many great options there are. Anjli loves cooking, which made the adjustment much easier. What helped most was the community, which was supportive and encouraging from the very beginning. And one surprise we both still talk about: the summer sunsets! Coming from India, seeing daylight at 9:30 at night took some getting used to. How has your experience as an immigrant shaped your view of Canada as a country? Canada is beautiful, and so are its people. Everyone we’ve met has been kind and respectful. There are so many opportunities here, and you really feel that the country supports you when you’re willing to put in the effort.

How have you managed to stay connected to your roots while embracing Canadian culture? Food is a big part of it—Anjli’s home What were some of the biggest surprises cooking keeps the flavors of India on our or challenges you faced when you first table every day. We stay close to family arrived? through video calls and spend a few Almost everything was new—the language, months in India whenever we can. At the

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same time, we’ve embraced life here fully, and we feel lucky to be part of both worlds. What’s one Canadian custom or tradition you’ve come to love? The everyday kindness. A smile from a stranger, a simple thank-you, someone holding the door- these small courtesies are part of daily life here. People treat each other as equals, and every kind of work is valued. We’ve also come to love the Canadian love of the outdoors: long summer evenings, walks and exploring nature whenever we get the chance. If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently about your immigration journey? Not really. The journey has been more than we could have asked for. If anything, I would have started travelling even more from the very beginning. We’ve explored Vancouver Island, the Rockies and the Okanagan, and every trip reminds us how much Canada has to offer. Proudest Moment in Canada

For me, it was getting the opportunity to move here from my company’s India division: something I’m still very grateful for. For Anjli, it has been doing new things on her own - learning to get around and finding her way in a completely new country. Starting her nursing studies here is another moment she’s very proud of.

Advice for Immigrants

Enjoy the journey. Settling into a new country takes time, so take it one step at a time and celebrate the small wins along the way. Explore as much as you can and don’t hesitate to reach out to the community and the many resources available to newcomers.

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Suite 201-19978 72nd Ave. Langley, BC

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