“Even though our name does have the word “Indian” we always market our events to all South Asians and ensure to bring in leaders from all parts of the world. We recognize that being South Asian is beyond having an Indian background and we strive to celebrate everything South Asian, regardless of origin.”

“In my opinion through my experience in the corporate world, I think most organizations in the GTA are ensuring that their organizations are representative of the diversity that this province has to offer.”

Born and raised in Brampton, Neeti Passi, the current President of NetIP—Network of Indian Professionals, Toronto, symbolizes the modern South-Asian Canadian woman—confident of her stride and enthusiastic to reach out.

Talking to Generation Next, Neeti remembers how growing up in a South Asian family meant focusing on academics and picking a professional career. She was lucky though as she recalls, “I had an older brother who had already gone through many of the similar experiences I was facing, thus making it easier for me to find my east-west fit.”

 

A Health Informatics Leader for Saint Elizabeth, Neeti joined NetIP Toronto in January 2011 as a member and the National Liaison co-lead. The idea was to get connected with other likeminded South Asian professionals while also giving back to the community. But doesn’t she feel the organization’s name needs to be changed to make it more representative of South Asians, rather than just Indians? Neeti responds, “Even though our name does have the word “Indian” we always market our events to all South Asians and ensure to bring in leaders from all parts of the world. We recognize that being South Asian is beyond having an Indian background and we strive to celebrate everything South Asian, regardless of origin.”

 

As President of the organization, Neeti aspires to make NetIP Toronto a name to reckon among South Asian professionals. She shares with pride the progress the organization has made within two years of its existence in Toronto. “We are starting to see a lot of new faces are each of our events, which empirically tells us that we are reaching out to more people.”

 

When asked what challenges NetIP Toronto faces, the new president says it relates to constantly ensuring that the activities provided by the organization are commensurate with membership needs. To this end, feedback is regularly sought from both members and non-members. Neeti also says, “NetIP Toronto wants to set itself apart from other professional networking organizations, therefore, it’s always a challenge to be one step ahead and offering interesting and intriguing events for our members.”

 

And what are her challenges as a South Asian Canadian? “One of my biggest challenges,” she says, “is to be seen as an individual and not falling into the stereotypes. It’s wonderful to see that the times are changing and young South Asian professionals are branching into a multitude of professional careers. Moreover, historically, South Asian women have had to struggle to maintain a career while supporting a family, but I think times are now changing.”

 

Neeti also feels it isn’t difficult for young South Asian women to start a family in Canada, as long as both partners have a common family goal. Given this scenario, would she prefer being a stay-at-home-mom? “I would love to stay at home with the children when they are young, but I don’t think I would stay home forever. I enjoy applying my professional skills and contributing to a household. Even if I couldn’t go back to work, I could see myself being more involved in not-for-profit/volunteering activities,” she says.

 

South Asian women like Neeti have made their mark across many fields. This can sometimes be intimidating to male members of the community, still conditioned by stereotypical images of women. Neeti feels this has a lot to do with the type of role models such men grew up with. “If they had a mom that was working, then I don’t think it is such an intimidation factor if a South Asian female is successful in her career; however, if they have never been exposed then it’s more of a fear of the unknown than intimidation,” she says.

 

Generation Next wants to know Neeti’s views on multiculturalism in Canada, given a measly four percent of visible minorities being represented at corporate leadership levels. According to Neeti, Canada’s multiculturalism is thriving and represents the world’s diversity. The challenge with ensuring that the same diversity is reflected effectively at a corporate leadership level “is the responsibility of organizations,” feels Neeti and adds, “In my opinion through my experience in the corporate world, I think most organizations in the GTA are ensuring that their organizations are representative of the diversity that this province has to offer.”

 

This young leader believes there are enough opportunities available to the youth in Canada. Her wise counsel is for individuals to understand which opportunities will bring one happiness and success, based on one’s core values and desires.

By Staff Writer

“The public sees us as portrayed through the media as people who do the heavy lifting and actually get the work done. A good part of the educated public really cares about where the donor dollars are going and after researching they realize that we don’t have any administrative fees, we’re just about getting work done.”

“They’ve [the Canadian government] got some concerns and they have a pattern of the way they program tax payers’ dollars and we challenge that norm. We think that doing your projects with larger agencies is not necessarily the answer, which is the way the Canadian government wants to spend its money. The government wants to have accountability and we understand that, but we are trying to show them that there are other ways to have the same accountability and deliver more aid with the same amount of money. We try to explain from our side of it. Can they be more supportive? Absolutely.”

Tis’ the season of holly jolly. But in this season of holly jolly and cutting budgets, let’s not forget organizations that help and service the poor across the globe that are hit by natural disasters.

One such organization completely run by a team of volunteers is Global Medic. Originally called Mecant-Gibson Foundation, Rahul Singh, Toronto based paramedic, started the organization in honour of his friend’s memory.

Global Medic has done a lot of work in places like Sri Lanka, the Solomon Islands, Turkey, Pakistan, Somalia and Kenya.  Its volunteers are first responders, the paramedics, the police officers, the firefighters, the doctors and the nurses. Global Medic has had over 1,000 volunteers. In the last few years, it has put about 154 folks into the international operations. In 2010, Global Medic deployed over 5 field hospitals that treated 37,000 patients. Global Medic’s volunteers had installed 100 water units that purified and distributed over 20 million litres of clean drinking water in disaster affected areas.

No wonder Global Medic’s work has been recognized internationally. Its Founder has been one of the Time magazine’s most influential personalities of the year, joining President Obama, talk show queen Oprah and Apple’s boss Steve Jobs.

Sharing his experiences working in different countries, Rahul told Generation Next “Some of the countries you’re dealing with are customarily dealing with disasters. Most often you’ll get a country like Pakistan. Bureaucratically it’s accustomed to accepting and asking for foreign aid, making processes easier. So they let agencies come in and some international airlines even bring in free aid on behalf of our agencies. .. You can look at Burma; it’s an isolationist regime and doesn’t necessarily want foreigners coming in a helping role.”

 

As an organization that provides emergency relief services, Rahul and Rahul’s team goes through trauma of their own when they witness a life lost. However, Rahul says “..it’s the next 6 or 7 that come in through the door that you actually manage to save – who would have died – that you see the difference that your work makes.”

As a non-for-profit organization, Global Medic is constantly looking for innovative ideas to raise funds Unlike many non-for-profit organizations, Global Medic’s admin costs are zero. Funded by public, Global Medic raises funds through dinners, selling T-shirts and asking public for donations.

Rahul noted “the public sees us as portrayed through the media as people who do the heavy lifting and actually get the work done. A good part of the educated public really cares about where the donor dollars are going and after researching they realize that we don’t have any administrative fees, we’re just about getting work done.”

The local South Asian community has been generous. However, Rahul feels much more needs to be done. “They’ve [South Asian community in Canada] funded us and helped us in the past; we’ve got to do a better job of coming in front of them and explaining the work capacities we have and what we can do. The drawback is that we are a group of doers; we want to do the work and not talk about the work, so we don’t necessarily have a group of talkers that go out and say to the community that we need your help and this is why you need to support us.”

 

With recession rumours gaining momentum, are people inclined not to donate?

“We’ve grown in terms of our charitable numbers every year but I think that’s more to do with the fact that there are more disasters that have grown in a big scale. Everybody’s feeling the pinch in Canada and around the world,” responded the founder of Global Medic.

 

 

Global Medic partners with other organizations to discuss and develop strategies to help those who are in desperate need of emergency relief.

As an organization, Rahul believes that the Canadian government’s response to floods in Pakistan was encouraging. Nonetheless, he feels “We need to do a better job of getting it to the government’s ear and also more about the good things we’re doing and how they work and why they should be funding us.”

“They’ve [the Canadian government] got some concerns and they have a pattern of the way they program tax payers’ dollars and we challenge that norm. We think that doing your projects with larger agencies is not necessarily the answer, which is the way the Canadian government wants to spend its money. The government wants to have accountability and we understand that, but we are trying to show them that there are other ways to have the same accountability and deliver more aid with the same amount of money. We try to explain from our side of it. Can they be more supportive? Absolutely,” he adds.

As a South Asian paramedic, Rahul feels that “the South Asian South Asian community has overlooked this field [emergency response], and they should take a second hard look” at their career choices.

Are there enough jobs for youth in paramedics’ field?

“I think we’re coming into a transition in the City of Toronto. For example, in the next 5 years, we’re going to lose a solid 20% of our workforce, so there will be opportunities for younger people to get in and become paramedics so it is a good filed to be studying right now. There are not enough jobs for people coming out of the colleges now because it’s such a specialty profession, but in a couple of more years, that will completely spin the other way and there will be too many jobs and not enough folks to come in,” stated the son of a father who is from Rajasthan, India and a mother who is from Quetta, Pakistan.

As far as the equal representation of visible minorities in Canada goes, Rahul feels “You can’t ask for someone to come into a job of power if you’re not willing to populate that industry to move all the way up..For example in the police force today in Toronto you will see a few Indian officers and South Asian paramedics but in 10-20 years from now when those people climb through the ranks, will you get a South Asian chief? I’d like to think so. So I think the country has opened up the opportunity and it’s up to us to take the advantage of that and rather than making the excuse that the system isn’t good enough..”

For Global Medic, Rahul’s ambition for next ten years is “to see us a bigger agency with a more stable funding base that is recognized by Canada as the primary agency of choice to give money in a disaster. More importantly I’d like to see us as the gritty frontline emergency workers agency that goes in and focuses on doing the work.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GN’s Most Influential

As the South Asian community grows in Canada, so does its influence and wealth.

South Asian community – Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Tamils, Afghanis, Nepalis – in Canada comprises of wealthy, philanthropists, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, law enforcement professionals, social workers, community organizers, pioneers, healthcare professionals and many more.

Some of these South Asian Canadians spark controversy; others initiate dialogue for the wellbeing of the South Asian community.

Welcome to South Asian Generation Next’s most influential:

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Lt. Col. Harjit Singh Sajjan

On September 11, 2011, Lt. Col. Harjit Singh Sajjan became the first Sikh in Canada to take command of a British Columbia regiment. He joined the British Columbia Regiment as a Trooper in 1989 and was commissioned in the Regiment in 1991. He served in Bosnia-Herzegovina as well thrice in Afghanistan.

Det. Sgt. B. J. Sandhu

Det. Sgt. B. J. Sandhu is spearheading Peel Regional Police’s Diversity initiatives. His efforts in the Region of Peel have led to increased participation from the South Asian community in programs like Race Against Racism. He encourages the South Asian community to increase its engagement in municipal politics.

Sergeant Baltej S. Dhillon

In 1989 when he decided to serve his country, Sergeant Baltej S. Dhillon’s turban became an issue. He was successful in the legal battle and was the first Sikh RCMP officer to wear the turban. Since then he has been a great source of inspiration to South Asian youth who want to serve in law enforcement. He is also a very good speaker and has been recognized by Sikh Centennial Foundation.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

Michael Ondaatje, Writer:

Among English writers of South Asian descent in Canada, Michael Ondaatje is probably the leading name. This near-septuagenarian author is arguably best known for his Booker-winning novel, ‘The English Patient’, which was also made into a film of the same name. Currently, Ondaatje lives in Toronto and edits ‘Brick’, a literary journal, with his wife, Linda Spalding.

Russell Peters, Comedian:

This comedian of Anglo-Indian descent is one of the highest-paid stand-up performers. In Canada, he became the first comedian to sell out Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, when 16,000 tickets sold in two days for the single show. Peters’ widespread popularity is often attributed to one of his stand-up acts on Comedy Now!, a Canadian TV comedy series. He is also the one of the top earners of the industry.

Deepa Mehta, Filmmaker:

With no formal training in filmmaking, this Indian-born Canadian director began her film career with producing documentaries and writing scripts for children’s films. Her first film as a producer-director was Sam & Me in 1991. Mehta is best known for her Elements trilogy, which includes Fire, Earth and Water.  Earth was submitted as the Indian nomination for the best foreign film Oscar Award.

Lisa Ray, Actor:

Born in Toronto to a Bengali father and a Polish mother, Lisa Ray is known both for her modeling and acting talents. She made her debut in films in 1994, with a Tamil film. Her Bollywood break happened in 2001 in the film “Kasoor”. In 2005, she worked with acclaimed director, Deepa Mehta in the Oscar-nominated film, “Water”. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009, a rare disease. Following a stem cell transplant, she declared herself cancer-free in 2010.

Rapinder Kaur, Artist:

Using art as therapy, Rapinder Kaur works with children and teenagers to help them overcome psychological and behavioral issues such as ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression and low self-esteem. She is registered with both the Canadian Art Therapy Institute and the Ontario Art Therapy Institute and provides both individual and group Art Therapy to individuals who need help and healing.

Lata Pada

Lata Pada is dancer, choreographer, thinker and social activist. She is also the first South Asian to be appointed for the Order of Canada. She was a leading advocate for an inquiry into the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 and the subsequent trial of terrorist suspects. She is also the Founder, Director, and Principal Teacher of SAMPRADAYA Dance Academy.

 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT:

Ratna Omidvar, President, Maytree Foundation

Since coming to Canada three decades ago, Ratna Omidvar has been working with and for immigrants and has become a champion of immigrant rights. As the President of Maytree, a private foundation that works to reduce poverty and inequality in Canada, Omidvar has been consistently vocal about the need for inclusion of newcomers and visible minorities in mainstream society and positions of prominence. In 2006, she was awarded the Order of Ontario.

 

Aditya Jha, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

Entrepreneur, philanthropist and social activist, Aditya Jha boasts launching several start-ups and executing successful turn-arounds. His private Charitable Foundation (POA Educational Foundation) promotes education and nurtures entrepreneurship among the disadvantaged. In 2010, he was adjudged one of the top 25 Canadian Immigrants. Active in Canadian, Indian and Nepalese public affairs, Jha received Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Ryerson University.

 

Vasu Chanchlani, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

A serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Vasu Chanchlani is the co-founder of the Sigma Group of Companies and a founding member of the Canada-India Foundation. He is known as a core facilitator of enhancing Canada and India’s bilateral trade relations. Chanchlani Health Research Centre, McMaster University, Chanchlani India Public Policy Center, University of Waterloo and Canadian Fallen Soldier Foundation are only a few projects that he is involved with.

Rahul Singh, Founder of Global Medic

Indo—Canadian paramedic Rahul Singh has joined US president Barack Obama, talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and Apple boss Steve Job in Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2010.

The Toronto—based paramedic, who founded GlobalMedic in 1998 to help disaster—hit people, has been the face of Canadian relief efforts around the world, including the quake—hit Haiti, in the past 10 years.

 

Dr. Alok Mukherjee – Chair, Toronto Police Services Board

One of the best known faces in Toronto, Alok Mukherjee emigrated from India to Canada in 1971. Currently heading the civil body of Toronto Police Services Board, he has previously played the roles of Acting Chief Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and Vice Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He was also an instructor of South Asian studies in York University and as an advisor to Mayor David Miller.

Rahul K. Bhardwaj, President and CEO, Toronto Community Foundation

Associated with community service for a while now, Rahul Bhardwaj had been a corporate lawyer with a leading Canadian law firm before becoming the President and CEO of Toronto Community Foundation. In 2008, he served as Vice President of the Toronto Olympic Bid. He is popular as a presenter and speaker and speaks on issues relating to the city, community and Toronto’s vital signs.

Ruby Latif

It’s hard to describe Ruby’s work description. Many of Ontario Premier’s South Asian community engagements are informed by Ruby. She is a South Asian community advocate and the first female to hold the Diversity position in an Ontario Premier’s office. So far, Progressive Conservatives and Ontario New Democrats have failed to find a dedicated South Asian in their respective leader’s office.

Shamira Madhany, Chief Officer, Diversity and Accessibility, Ontario Public Service

Boasting a long association with public service, Shamira Madhany has developed and implemented a number of provincial policies, programs and services across a range of ministries. Before taking up the present position, she worked as the Director of Postsecondary Accountability Branch. She has served on the board of directors for organizations such as Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Markham Public Library.

Harinder Takhar, Minister of Government Services, Ontario

The first Indo-Canadian to hold a cabinet post in Ontario, Harinder Takhar immigrated to Canada in 1974. Well known in the community, Minister Takhar keeps an eye out on rising South Asian youth who are interested in politics and public service.

Kulvir Singh Gill, Chair Seva Food Bank

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kulvir Singh has been actively involved in the local Sikh-Canadian community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the William Osler Health System Foundation and Habitat for Humanity—Brampton.

Asha Luthra, Convenor ICCC

Asha Luthra was the first woman president of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. As such she brought a unique perspective to organization. Single mother of a daughter, she also understands the need and value of community engagement and volunteerism better than many of her counterparts.

 

Tim Uppal, First Sikh Conservative Minister

Born in British Columbia in 1974, Tim Uppal worked as a Residential Mortgage Manager for TD Canada Trust and served a Senior Advisor for the Conservative Party of Canada before entering active politics. As the Conservative government moves ahead with democratic reform in Canada, Minister Uppal has an important task ahead of him to convince Canadians that Conservatives are doing the right thing.

Satish Takhar, President Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce

Satish Takhar has been the President of Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) for less than a year, however under his leadership ICCC has been quite aggressive in engaging with all levels of government as well as the community. It is working toward facilitating trade between Canadian and Indian businesses.

Harpreet and Jaswinder Sethi, Owner Radisson Plaza Mississauga

Harpreet and his wife is involved in a quite a few philanthropic initiatives; however he likes to keep his donations to various institutions quiet. He has donated $500,000 to William Osler Health Foundation. They are also involved with Canadian Fallen Soldier Foundation.

 

Jagmeet Singh, NDP MPP Bramalea-Gore-Malton

Fluent in English, French and Punjabi, Jagmeet Singh is one of the youngest MPPs and the first NDP MPP to be elected from the Region of Peel. Just before the October 6^th elections, he had won hearts and minds moving beyond party lines. However, since being elected many members of the South Asian community are skeptical of his speeches about “November 1984 Genocide.”

Neena and Vijay Kanwar

In 2006 Neena launched the KMH Family Assistance Services, a charity that assists people who want to improve their quality of life through the HEAL initiative (Health promotion and Empowerment through education to Achieve a higher standard of living through better Lifestyle choices.) They have also donated $500,00 to Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga.

Yogesh Sharma, President of Rajhastan Association of North America (RANA)

Yogesh Sharma has developed RANA from 0 members to more than 300 members. As RANA’s President, he has worked tirelessly to engage Rajhstanis in RANA to preserve unique Rajhstani culture.

Zabeen Hirji

Zabeen Hirji is RBC’s Chief Human Resources Officer and has global responsibility for Human Resources as well as Brand, Communications and Corporate Citizenship. As a member of RBC’s Group Executive, she is one of nine executives responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of RBC.

 

Surjit Babra, Founder & Chairman/CEO, SkyLink Group of Companies

Actively involved with community services, Surjit began his own SkyLink Children’s Charity in 2009, which has contributed to several children’s causes, including Haiti.

Karim Sunderji, President of Ismaili Muslim Council of Ontario

Mr. Sunderji is an entrepreneur who has lived in Canada for over three decades.  As the President of one of the largest Muslim organizations in Ontario, Mr. Sunderji believes that Muslims have contributed their fair share to the growth of society in Canada.

Juanita Nathan, Public School Board Trustee

As a community worker, Juanita Nathan has worked closely with youth, seniors, and abused women. Following a BA in Psychology from Brock University, she completed a project for the Ministry of Attorney General that focused on domestic abuse. She currently works with Youthlink.

Rupinder Kaur, Press Secretary to New Democrats

She is the first South Asian female to be the press secretary of NDP. Many believe that she holds the key to any NDP leader’s office. Federal Conservatives and Liberals have a long way to find a dedicated South Asian community activist like her.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nadir Mohamed (Rogers Communications)

Born to Ismaili Muslim parents, originally from India, Nadir Mohamed grew up in Tanzania. After his family’s immigration to Canada, he studied accounting at the University of British Columbia. In 2000, Mohamed joined one of Canada’s top telecom carriers Rogers. In March 2011, he became the company’s CEO and is one of the best paid professionals of the industry, earning $8,580,492 in 2010.

 

Prem Watsa (Fairfax Financial Holdings)

Hailed as the Canadian Warren Buffet in the past, the founder, chairman and chief executive of Fairfax Financial Holdings, Toronto, was born in Hyderabad, India. A graduate of India’s prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Ontario Museum foundation. In 2009, he was appointed the ninth chancellor of the University of Waterloo. He is believed to earn $644,057 in 2010.

Sabi Marwah, Vice-Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Scotiabank

Believed to be one of the smartest brains in Bay Street, Sabi Marwah held several senior positions in Scotiabank before rising to the present role in 2008. Born in Asansol, West Bengal, this popular banker earned an MBA in Finance from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a past Chair of the Humber River Regional Hospital and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canada.

Nav Bhatia, President of Nav Bhatia Superstores and Nav Bhatia Entertainment

One of the best known entrepreneurs of the South Asian community, Nav Bhatia has brought the brand Hyundai to the South Asian community. His “Super Fan” status in basketball has introduced the sport to the South Asian community. Just in 2011, he has worked hard to bring South Asian community’s issues in a movie called “Breakaway.”

Gary Anandasangaree, President of the Canadian Tamil’s Chamber of Commerce

With extensive experience in business and real estate, Gary Anandasangaree has volunteered with several community organizations. A current member of the Toronto Board of Trade, the South Asian Bar Association and the Toronto City’s Summit’s Emerging Leaders Network, he has received several community awards.

BUSINESS:

Amar Doman, Founder, The Futura Corp

The sole shareholder of The Futura Corp, Amar Doman is credited with bringing his company to $1,500,000,000 in revenues and close to 2,000 employees. With more than 16 years of experience in the building materials manufacturing and distribution industries, Doman wields a strong influence in the South Asian business community in Canada.

Kunjar M. Sharma, President, Kunjar Sharma and Associates Inc.

Educated in Nepal, India, the U.S. and Canada, Kunjar Sharma has been practicing a Trustee in Bankruptcy in Ontario for more than 30 years. Previously he has held the position of a Senior Vice-President and Partner with a major professional services firm. In 1993, he was named the Honorary Consul General to Canada for Nepal.

K Rai Sahi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Morguard Corporation

After immigrating to Canada from India in 1971, Sahi began working as a labourer in Montreal before he built CF Kingsway, Inc, the third-largest trucking operation in Canada. He later widened his business by getting into manufacturing and real estate and has emerged as one of the wealthiest Indo-Canadians in Canada.

Pradeep Sood, Founder, XactScribe Inc

The founder of XcatScribe Inc., a Toronto-based transcription company, Pradeep Sood is also the Chair of Ontario-India Business Forum. Actively involved in building stronger trade relations between Canada and India, Sood has served as a board member in the Toronto Board of Trade and as the President of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

Ajay Virmani, President and CEO, Cargojet

Starting off by washing windows and selling life insurance after he first landed to Canada in 1975, Ajay Virmani has gone on to become the President and CEO of the largest cargo airline operating in Canada. The company was founded in 2002, following the purchase of fifty percent of Canada 3000 Cargo.

Hari Pandey, President and CEO, PanVest Capital Corporation

Having come to Canada 35 years ago, Hari Pandey founded ICICI Bank Canada in 2003. Under his leadership, the organization made more than $4 billion in assets. In 2009, he was awarded the Corporate Executive of the Year prize by the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Steve K. Gupta, President and CEO, Easton’s Group of Hotels

A business that began with the buying of a truck shop in Ontario, went on to become a hotel group with ten hotels under its umbrella, with two more under development. It’s worth mentioning that Steve Gupta’s truck shop itself became the one number one in diesel sales in Canada within a few months. He also holds the credit of opening three new hotels in 2009, when the country was dealing with a recession.

Soham Ajmera, Co-Founder and Chairman, FGF Brands

Known as Sam in his friend circle, Soham Ajmera’s FGF Brands—a commercial bakery in Ontario, is the largest producer of muffins in Canada. The company has recently launched naan, focaccia, and pizza crust under its Fabulous Flats label. Ajmera also owns Specialty Rice, Inc, the largest grower of organic rice in North America.

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GN’s Most Influential – Worldwide

Generation Next’s Most Influential South Asians Worldwide

Indra Nooyi, CEO, Pepsico, US

Ranked the fourth most powerful woman in 2011 by Forbes, President and Chief Financial Officer of PepsiCo, Indra K. Nooyi oversees a $60 billion food and beverage empire. One of the top female executives in the U.S., Nooyi is believed to be the highest-ranking woman of Indian heritage in corporate America. She is known to possess the ability to tell the difference between Pepsi and Coke in a sniff test.

Sonia Gandhi, President, INC, India

Although ranked as the seventh most powerful woman by Forbes for 2011, in India, Sonia Gandhi is probably the most powerful woman. In September 2010, she was re-elected president of the Congress party for the fourth time, making her the longest-serving president in the party’s 125-year history. Mocked as “Super Prime Minister” by some opposition leaders, she is the Chairperson of India’s ruling coalition, United Progressive Alliance.

Chanda Kochhar, CEO, ICICI Bank, India

She is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank Limited—India’s largest private bank and the second largest overall bank in the country. In a career that began in 1984 as a management trainee in ICICI, Ms. Kochhar has made consistent leaps by heading all the major functions of the bank. This banker boasts a breadth of experience in areas such as corporate credit, infrastructure financing, e-commerce strategy and retail.

Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary, National League for Democracy

In confinement (house arrest) for 15 of the last 21 years, this icon of democracy and justice finally breathed freedom in November 2010. The General Secretary of Myanmar’s National League for Democracy, received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1991. In 2007, the Government of Canada made her an honorary citizen. She is one of only five people ever to receive this honour.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder Chair, Biocon, India

Trained as a brewer in Australia, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is India’s first biotech entrepreneur. The enterprise that started with $220 when she was just 25, began by partnering with an Irish firm to make industrial enzymes. Currently Biocon produces drugs for cancer, diabetes and auto-immune diseases. Deeply concerned about providing affordable healthcare in India, she is the founding donor for a cancer hospital that is free for the poor. She also sponsors a health insurance plan that benefits 100,000 rural villagers.

SAVITRI JINDAL, Non-executive Chairperson, Jindal Steel and Power Limited:

This 60-year-old non-executive chairperson of Jindal Steel and Power Limited and JSW Steel and a member of the Harayana state legislature is the richest woman in India. She also happens to be the world’s 56^th richest person, although, until her husband O. P. Jindal’s death by helicopter crash in 2005, she didn’t even ask how much wealth she had.

INDU JAIN, CHAIRPERSON, Times Group:

This matriarch is the Chairperson of the privately-owned Bennett, Coleman & Co., which her family acquired from a British group. It is now India’s biggest media house. Ms. Jain is a spiritualist and has introduced columns on spirituality in the group’s newspapers. Her sons Samir and Vineet are presently handling the company’s affairs. Ms. Jain is also managing the Times Foundation, the group’s philanthropic arm.

MUKESH AMBANI, Chairman Reliance Industries:

As the richest Indian man, Mukesh Ambani is the chairman and managing director of the petrochemical conglomerate, Reliance Industries—the largest private sector enterprises in India listed in Fortune 500 magazine. His personal stake in Reliance Industries is 48% and, he also owns the world’s most expensive private residence—a 27-floor high-rise in Mumbai.

LAKSHMI MITTAL, Chair, ArcelorMittal

He is London’s richest resident and oversees ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker. When the company’s net profits fell by 75% in 2009, Mittal took 12% pay cut amid slump. He started family steel business in India in 1970s and branched out on his own in 1994. This steel giant is also funding a 400-foot sculpture to be built in London’s Olympic Park in time for 2012 Olympics.

CYRUS S. POONAWALLA

The 23^rd richest Indian, Cyrus S. Poonawalla is the Chairman of Poonawalla Group, which includes Serum Institute of India, an Indian biotech company that manufactures pediatric vaccines. In 2005, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of medicine.

AZIM PREMJI, Chairman, Wipro Limited

This Indian business tycoon is the third wealthiest Indian and the 36^th richest in the world. Twice, he has been listed among the 100 most influential people by TIME Magazine—in 2004 and 2011. He has 74% ownership in Wipro Limited that began by manufacturing hydrogenated cooking oils as well as consumer products. The company’s global IT business, Wipro Technologies, is one of India’s largest software companies and is ranked among the top 100 technology companies worldwide.

GAUTAM ADANI, Chairman, Adani Group:

According to the March 2011 issue of Forbes Magazine, Gautam Adani is the 6^th richest Indian. His personal wealth amounts to US $10 billion. With more than 25 years of wide business experience, he stewarded Adani Group to emerge as a diversified Energy and Logistics conglomerate with interests in power generation and transmission, coal trading and mining, gas distribution, oil and gas exploration.

Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Army Chief of Staff, Pakistan

Forbes Magazine calls Ashfaq Parvez Kayani “The most powerful man in a nuclear-armed country.” This four-star general is the current Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. He replaced General Pervez Musharraf in that position in November 2007. As the former Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), this very important man in the Pakistani political scene was named the 20^th most powerful person in the world in 2008 by Newsweek magazine.

AHMED SHUJA PASHA, Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan

Possibly of equal prominence as the Army Chief of Staff is the Director-General of Pakistan’s premier intelligence service, ISI. Though due to reach the age of superannuation in March 2010, he received two extensions. His term was extended twice—first by a year, then by two more years, until March 2013. Recently named as one of the 100 most influential people by TIME Magazine.

Dr. Farooq Bajwa, Partner, Dean & Dean Firm, London

Born in Lahore in 1966, this eminent scholar lectured on history and politics at a number of universities and institutions before training to become a barrister and solicitor. In 1990, he completed a PhD in International Relations at the London School of Economics. Some of his significant clients include the Black Police Association, Muslim campaign groups, mosques and Muslim ambassadors to the United Kingdom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The main focus of Impact is about getting young people excited about entrepreneurship through a series of programs and campaigns. I’ve learned first hand the benefits of beginning and starting a business. It’s not always easy. However, there’s a big opportunity today to learn and to try new things out when you’re young, especially when you surround yourself with like-minded peers.”

“…For any achievement, it’s about direction and bringing the right people around the room and going at it.”

Whether it’s the latest iphone, Blackberry or an Android device, the craze surrounding smart phone technology has made consumers restless to accessorize their purses and back pockets with the next hot gadget. For Polar Mobile, a company specializing in cellular application (App) technology, the current rising mobile market reflects a strong and promising future for their industry.

Kunal Gupta, CEO of Polar Mobile, reflects upon the expanding niche he discovered in the market four years ago while launching his company from University of Waterloo campus.

“We saw an opportunity to help the media companies figure out how to distribute their content to all these connected devices and also how to monetize it.”  Mr. Gupta, a Waterloo alumni in software engineering, found a market he would one day thrive upon. He knew that working in a fast-paced and demanding industry was only going to be possible with the right tools.

Even as Mr. Gupta believes that market timing was an important factor in his success, he also acknowledges the vital role his academic background has played in achieving his current position. He tells Generation Next’s readers that, “the engineering degree, especially at Waterloo, you’re learning critical skills and problem solving skills. So what I got from my degree were the skills and the understanding of how technology works and how software works on a high level.”

As the recipient of the Alumnus of the Year, and the 2011 finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Kunal Gupta’s success story in globalizing App technology has already begun to stir interest from seasoned colleagues within the world of technology. “I have a lot of respect for visionaries like Steve Jobs in terms of introducing new technology, new innovations and the new way of thinking and really challenging the industry and making the norm,” says Mr. Gupta, expressing his admiration of other industry gurus.

Challenging the industry standards is nothing new to Mr. Gupta as he himself has shown a knack for creating norms as well. “We started this company four years ago. At that time, the concept of mobile Apps did not exist, although we were launching those. I totally focused on using technology and software to help change an industry.” By capitalizing on the changing tides within the mobile technology business, Polar Mobile was able to branding in making Apps the next hot accessory for any smart phone.

As Polar Mobile paves the way in App technology and service, the company is well aware of the changing industry demands as well as the need to maintain one foot ahead of their competitors. Mr. Gupta expresses his confidence of keeping the edge they’ve attained. “It’s all about the team, he says and adds, “The team has been very focused on our goals, and we’ve been pretty successful at achieving those goals. For any achievement, it’s about direction and bringing the right people around the room and going at it.”

Mr. Gupta commented that despite the recent difficulties RIM has faced, “it does not affect us at Polar Mobile directly. I think the bigger effect is on the company RIM.”

As Mr. Gupta focuses on taking Polar Mobile to the next level, he has already expressed his need to give back to other young entrepreneurs.

As the founder and Chair on the Board of Directors for the “Impact Entrepreneurship Group”, Mr. Gupta was excited to describe his goal in starting Impact. “The main focus of Impact is about getting young people excited about entrepreneurship through a series of programs and campaigns. I’ve learned first hand the benefits of beginning and starting a business. It’s not always easy. However, there’s a big opportunity today to learn and to try new things out when you’re young, especially when you surround yourself with like-minded peers.”

As Polar Mobile looks ahead to make it big on a global level, App fans can expect to see a number of changes in the technology industry too.

According to Kunal Gupta, there are currently a variety of projects underway. “It’s an exciting space with a lot of things happening. Look at the industry and what’s happening with the new iphone that came out, and we are going to see more innovations and changes with tablets in the next year.”

As mobile technology continues to alter the way we communicate on a daily basis, the expectation of change has become a norm within the industry, especially for companies like Polar Mobile who have made a name for themselves by thriving on these changing trends.

By Anna Katryan

 

 

 

 

Anu Srivastava has become a cultural specialist in the City of Brampton initiating and collaborating a number of different South Asian cultural events.

 

Anu Srivastava was born in Kanpur, India. As someone who boasts an excellent academic record, she studied in St. Mary’s Convent and earned twin Master’s degrees in Commerce and Business Administration. Kanpur University recognized her merit and the ranking of first position in the university by rewarding her with a gold medal.

 

It was Ahmedabad where Anu went as a married woman at the age of 18.

 

Married at the age of 18! Don’t Canadians tell her that is was barbaric?

 

They do but I say yes I did, but marriage was one of the things that in India you have to do,” responds Anu quite “frankly.

 

 

 

Anu immigrated to Canada in 1987 to the Greater Toronto Area.

 

 

She started her financial career with Princess Margaret Hospital and worked in the hospital sector for 10 years. During that tenure, Anu was part of the amalgamation team for Peel Memorial Hospital, Etobicoke Hospital and Georgetown Hospital, which later became William Osler Health Centre.

 

In 2001, Anu joined the City of Brampton as Financial Analyst and quickly moved up to a supervisory position in Financial Services.

 

When asked how diverse the City of Brampton’s labour force was when she first joined it, Anu’s response isn’t too encouraging.

 

“I was probably one of the first South Asians to be hired in a corporate job at city hall. Usually they hired South Asians in recreational facilities, like frontline staff. I was the first analyst who was hired in corporate leadership,” she says.

 

 

Presently, she is the Financial Controller, Rose Theatre Brampton, where she has been instrumental in promoting the South Asian cultural heritage while also creating a global profile and international exposure for the City of Brampton. It is interesting that all her community services initiatives for the South Asian community began after she started working for the Community Services Department in the City of Brampton. She applauds Mr. Jamie Lowery, Commissioner of Community Services in the City of Brampton for his efforts to spearhead South Asian engagement in Brampton cultural scene.

 

2011 was the “Year of India in Canada”, and Anu liaised with the Consular General of India and subsequently Rose Theatre Brampton became the official supporter of the “Year of India in Canada”.  Anu Srivastava’s timely secondment to the Rose Theatre, City of Brampton, assisted her to bring the literary play “Ismat Apa Ke Naam” performed by Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak, followed by other shows such as Nrityagram Dance Ensemble and Mahim Junction.

 

The most successful accomplishment of Anu Srivastava for the year has been the international event of IIFA in Brampton where she was the staff lead to program, implement and deliver the world-class IIFA event.

 

 

No sooner than the IIFA finished that the TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) came! Anu organized the first ever TIFF launch party outside Toronto for the movie Breakaway in Chingacousy Park, Brampton with superstars Akshay Kumar, Russell Peters and the whole star cast.

 

 

In 2001, following an earthquake in Gujarat, India, Anu coordinated the medical supplies from Peel Memorial Hospital through a sea container to reach India with a view to helping the earthquake victims. She raised funds in the GTA and facilitated the opening of a physiotherapy centre for relief of the earthquake victims in Kutch, which continues to operate to this day.

 

Anu started her volunteer career at the Trillium Hospital in 2004. This was her way of appreciating and giving back to the community. The committee which she has been part of has raised millions of dollars for the Trillium Hospital. She continues to be a committee team member and Chair of Silent Auction for the Trillium Diwali Gala Fundraiser. “Om Fracture Clinic” in Trillium Hospital was built through these funds in 2007, while the current fundraising initiative is for the Endoscopy equipment which is much needed in the Hospital.

 

With still a young family to take care of along with her budding career, Anu further entrenched herself to serve the South Asian community and became an executive member of the community organization, KC Group, in 2005. Here she helped integrate the new immigrants and members of the South Asian community and initiated cultural events such as Diwali and Holi for community members of Indo Canadian origin; giving our children the opportunity to know South Asian culture and be proud of their heritage. She initiated several philanthropic activities for the organization.

 

 

 

 

 

Anu is affectionately supported by her husband, Arun Srivastava, a businessman and pioneer in bringing checque processing and digital imaging to Canada’s banking industry. She is a devoted mother to her children Rahul and Richa and is fortunate to have the blessings of her parents who are a source of inner strength and have taught her service above self. Anu Srivastava diligently balances her work and family life, and her quest to serve the South Asian community continues unabated.

 

Successful professional, wife, mother of two—what more would Anu like to aim for in the days ahead?

 

“We wanted to come to Canada and prove to everybody that we are not spoilt brats, and we can work hard and be successful and we can make it big. So that’s what I think we wanted to do and I have accomplished it quite a bit..when we came here, nobody knew us, small houses and what not… and I used to wonder when will the people know us like they used to in India?,” says this contented and accomplished young woman.

By Staff Writer

Photos by www.nicevideophoto.com

“I realized that being a reporter is not always the easiest thing to do but being a business reporter reporting for a number of different publications or TV stations is a lot better for me.”

“..We need a change in our society, we need more access to better jobs, we need more people working, period..”

By her own admission, Rubina Ahmed-Haq has her fingers in “all different types of media.” This young and spirited South Asian journalist is a regular contributor on CBC Steven and Chris, writes a weekly column on RateSupermarket.ca, is a much-loved appearance on Roger’s South Asian Focus TV as a financial expert, and is the finance editor at CondoLife Magazine in Toronto. She also boasts a sterling career background in her ten years of journalism. ABC, CBC, and even BBC World Service—she’s been there and done that all. She shares the experience with Generation Next.

Following her education in sociology at York University, Rubina got a PG Diploma in journalism from Humber College to improve her job prospects in the field and joined a station that is now Omni. Her deep interest in international and particularly South Asian politics led her to work for ABC News in Pakistan.

“That experience was great because I met a lot of people working in that part of the world that I would never have access to,” she says.

Following ABC, she returned to Canada and joined back the station she was previously working with, but the longing to work outside Canada still remained. She joined BBC World Service, rubbing shoulders with some of the best journalists in the world.

Rubina curiously explains the different experiences of working in Pakistan and the UK. Whereas her stint in Pakistan had all the demands that are made of journalists associated with any Western media, it came with some issues peculiar to the particular culture.

“Because I am a Pakistani, people sometimes did not take me seriously. I found that really frustrating because working in Canada I never had that problem. When I tried to interview politicians or somebody who was important in a company, they did not take you seriously because there was more of a feeling that a woman shouldn’t be asking these questions,” says Rubina.

In England she faced the opposite scenario. People were eager to help her out as she was a guest in that country.

As exciting as her experience might have been in Pakistan and England, Rubina’s switch to financial journalism was a sweet marriage of luck and circumstances. She had been working for CBC for some years since her return from England when she switched to CP24. And in the very first year of her tenure at the channel there was a huge market crash. As it would happen, the person handling this area for the channel quit abruptly. Rubina seized the opportunity and offered to fill in the role.

“That catapulted me into business and I never turned back,” she says with joy.

She started doing business reporting exclusively and later eased into a freelance role, which she tremendously enjoys. “I realized that being a reporter is not always the easiest thing to do but being a business reporter reporting for a number of different publications or TV stations is a lot better for me,” she says.

Rubina’s love of television has as much to do with the excitement and dynamism of the medium as with her vibrant, outgoing personality. She loves being in front of the camera, connecting to viewers and sharing her personality, which might not come across in print. Moreover, print presents other problems—writer’s block or finding an interesting enough peg to present a story—that TV doesn’t.

She also feels that her ordinary, middle-class background makes her more accessible to and popular with viewers. “I don’t come with a lot of money, had a very normal middle-class upbringing and have a middle-class life right now. I think people like to hear stories from people that are just like them,” she says. The fact that a lot of South Asian women interested in finance and economy can approach her gives her much satisfaction.

Her observation of the Canadian media makes Rubina hopeful for potential South Asian journalists. “There are more South Asians on television than ever before,” she says and feels this is so because of the community’s natural draw towards journalism, telling stories and going into the heart of the matter. The one important advice she has for young aspiring South Asian journalist is for them to find out someone whom they admire, get in touch with them (through email, phone) and seek their advice. She herself receives lots of calls from people asking for guidance and is always willing to offer her advice.

As a young journalist, Rubina is only too aware of the role of social media in disseminating news. “If you’re not connected as a journalist in social media, you are doing yourself a disservice because when something happens around the world, Twitter is the number one place where I go.” She acknowledges the role of newspapers and the traditional television news telecast, but encourages everyone to be on every social channel possible and to actually be actively available on it so others can reach them.

It was perhaps her love of social media that took Rubina to work in the social media department of TD Bank. The short stint that she spent there helped deepen her understanding of the banking sector. However, the corporate world wasn’t the most attractive of fields to be in for her.

“I didn’t like the corporate world. As a journalist you will probably agree, there is a need for me to always speak my mind and be as honest to what I feel about issues.”

Closely linked to her liking of social media is her commitment to blogging. She blogs regularly and uses the blog as her landing page, where people interested in her work can find out more about her, her publications and schedule. She allocates a chunk of time every day to update her blog so that it stays current.

Rubina considers herself a liberal journalist and empathises strongly with the young Occupy Movement protestors across the world. She also feels some of the youth participating in these movements is misrepresented because of a few bad elements.

She says, “The core of what they’re trying to do is what we need. We need a change in our society, we need more access to better jobs, we need more people working, period. I wouldn’t say I’d go down and sit with them to support them, but I absolutely understand their frustration and do feel they have a right to voice their opinion for as long as it takes to bring change for good.”

Regarding the movement’s relevance in Canada, she feels the movement in this country is validated by the growing disparities between the super-rich and the middle class. Besides that, some Canadian banks too participated in the US housing crisis and as such people have the right to demand answers of them, she thinks.

Being in the thick of financial journalism, Rubina feels that the Canadian government is taking some steps to keep the economy on track. She mentions measures like raising the interest rates slightly, revising the mortgage rules that would help ensure that people who can actually afford a home get it. At the same time, she observes, like in any capitalist economy, it’s not the government, but big corporations, that eventually control the prices.

What is her view of the constant war between conservative and liberal media outlets?

She feels it is actually a reflection of how people feel in society. “Depending on how you raise your voice, you are put in the conservative or liberal camps and the same goes for the media,” she says.

Although she considers herself liberal, she isn’t closed to writing for a conservative magazine as she feels there is greater need to share ideas and understand different viewpoints. The gap between the two sides is widening, she thinks, because of growing frustration in the society.

At the same time, she advises readers and viewers to not blindly follow or believe any particular publication or media outlet, but to access as many avenues as they can to arrive at an informed judgment.

The fact that Rubina Ahmed-Haq really enjoys her current profile is proven when one hears about her future plans. She wants to continue writing on business and personal finance.

Her next big goal?

“To publish my book that talks about easy ways for people to save money.”

By Bhaswati Ghosh

“People are usually pleasantly surprised when they hear my jokes.  I like surprising people.  Nobody expects me to say the things that I say – I love that!”

“I don’t think it’s funny to hurt someone,” she clarifies and adds, “I believe I take reality and bring it to the stage. If the experience is truly relatable, then people will find it funny even if it is a little offensive.”

Canadian comedian Crystal Ferrier is young, vivacious, multi-talented and rising comedian. She graduated from York University and obtained a degree in Sociology as well as Theatre Studies. Crystal Ferrier packs all the traits of an actress, comedian, model, writer and producer. She has established herself as a successful comedian, overcoming all the obstacles that come her way. Crystal Ferrier shares her experience and her passion with Generation Next.

This talented actor finds her fodder for humour from everyday life, like being around her family and growing up as an Indian female in Toronto. In particular, her mother is a major inspiration for her. And so far, people have responded encouragingly to her wisecracks. “People are usually pleasantly surprised when they hear my jokes.  I like surprising people.  Nobody expects me to say the things that I say – I love that!” she says exuberantly.

As someone of South Asian descent, how easy or difficult is it for her to straddle two different cultures? Especially given the perception of the members of the parental generation that their children aren’t rooted to their cultures. Crystal acknowledges that it’s tough for the youth who grow up in Canada. Complying with South Asian cultural standards, while trying to get accepted by the general public, is an act of fine balance and not always the easiest thing to do. Like in most South Asian families, her parents too wanted her to become a doctor or a lawyer. She chuckles, “I guess the joke is on them. I am lucky that my family sees comedy as my calling and supports me.”

The line between humour and insult can sometimes be a thin one. How does Crystal manage being funny without being offensive?

“I don’t think it’s funny to hurt someone,” she clarifies and adds, “I believe I take reality and bring it to the stage. If the experience is truly relatable, then people will find it funny even if it is a little offensive.”

Having found her way to the stage through many a hurdle, Crystal is convinced that following the heart can lead one to his or her dreams. In fact, she likens it to childbirth. “I would tell others who want to pursue a career in comedy to stay focused and keep pushing! That sounds like childbirth, but you know what I mean!” she exclaims.

Young people looking to chart a different path than the oft-trodden ones can find reassurance in the attitude of this comedian. She advises them to not let others create their dreams, but to be a leader instead.

By Saurabh Agarwal

“Politicians of every party and every stripe know that Canada doesn’t work without immigration. So whereas one government may try to tighten up restrictions on false refugee claimants, the basic thrust has always been a pro-immigration policy for the last forty years in Canada.”

“There are a lot of opportunities (in India), and I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a trade mission from Calgary going to India in the medium term.”

 

Calgary’s fairly new and dynamic mayor is still an eligible bachelor. As South Asian Generation Next catches up with him at Mississauga Summit at University of Toronto, Mississauga campus, we wonder how 39-year-old Naheed Nenshy continues to be a bachelor, despite his South Asian descent.

 

Isn’t his mother hunting for a suitable daughter-in-law? The question takes him by surprise and elicits a roaring bout of laughter at the same time. “Oh, my God! Of course, she is! She’s been at it for twenty-one years, I think. She loves it when I travel across the country, because she figures there may be more prospects,” explains Mr. Nenshy.

 

How does Mr. Nenshy respond to the sensation that he created by becoming the first Muslim to be elected the mayor of a major Canadian city? While he does admit that his election gained a lot of national and international recognition, mostly because of his faith and in some measure because of his ethnic background, he says that only happened after the election. “During the election, in Calgary, the issue of my ethnicity never came up,” he maintains, adding, “Calgary has always been a remarkably meritocratic society, and spreading the word about how well diversity works in a place like Calgary is a really important role for me.” He goes on to say that this is true of all Canada, and Calgary is the ultimate expression of Canadian pluralism.

 

That’s a refrain we have heard many times before from politicians—how rich and flourishing Canada’s multiculturalism is. Why, then, every time any immigrant friendly policy comes up at any level of the government, there seems to be stiff resistance to it?

 

In the Mayor’s view, this has more to do with the pettiness of a few small-minded and intolerant individuals and less to do with Canada’s overall endorsement of plurality. He says, “Politicians of every party and every stripe know that Canada doesn’t work without immigration. So whereas one government may try to tighten up restrictions on false refugee claimants, the basic thrust has always been a pro-immigration policy for the last forty years in Canada.”

 

As an example of Canada’s multicultural engagement, he mentions the debates regarding the naqaab (veil used by some religious communities) or the kirpan. This is an issue Mr. Nenshy feels strongly about, as is clear when he says,

 

“It’s okay to have these debates—it means we live in a free and open society. But at the same time, we have to reject the small-minded and the intolerance who try to make these into cleavages in our community. The kripan is a good example. Are there spates of kripan-related violence that I am unaware of because it went unreported? Of course, not! But it’s important for us to be able to say to folks who say ‘Let’s ban the kripan in public spaces’—what on earth are you talking about?”

 

How then, does he respond to instances when the media refers to the murder of young South Asian women in the country as “honour killings?” Once again, he says with conviction, “As a community, we can speak out whether we’re mainstream or minority against things like honour killings…Those things need to be stopped in their tracks.”

 

Contrary to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, Mayor Nenshi is investing dollars in libraries and community centres. How significant are these initiatives?

 

 

“Incredibly crucial,” is his prompt response.

 

His personal life apart, the mayor of Calgary seems to mean business, even as his popularity ratings keep soaring. Having worn a number of hats—corporate professional, academic (he was a professor of nonprofit management) and now politician—he intends to integrate his learning from all these sectors into his vision for a better, more citizen and visitor friendly Calgary. “What’s really been common across all of that (the different vocations) is that my role has always been to try and encourage the success of others. I was a management consultant trying to build businesses to be more successful, I was a professor, trying to make my students more successful and now I get the chance to try and make the whole community more successful,” he says. He also believes his corporate career enabled him to ask tough questions and critically analyze data—skills that are proving vital to the effective discharge of his current role.

 

 

As a young politician, who has been compared to Obama, Mr. Nenshy has received praise for his engagement with the youth. According to him, politicians should endeavour to reach out to every member of the community. Contrary to popular feeling, he opines that far from being apathetic to politics, young people such as the ones participating in the “Occupy” movements across the world “deeply care about their future, but they just don’t think that institutions like government can have anything to do with them.” This is where he feels politicians need to do a better job of convincing people of their intent to serve the community. He does have a problem with some of the “Occupy” movement labels though. “I understand Occupy Wall Street, I even understand Occupy Bay Street,” he says, “but when people say Occupy Toronto, or Occupy Calgary or Occupy Edmonton, I think to myself, why do you need to occupy? It’s your community—you live here. Take some action in making your community better, rather than occupying it as though it’s alienated from you.”

 

Optimistic about Canada’s economy and appreciative of how the country fared during the 2008 and 2009 recessions, the Calgary mayor has some ideas for attracting and retaining young professionals to his city. “Cities need to cut red tape, they need to make it easier to obtain business permits, they need to make it easier for people to start businesses. In addition to that, we also need to create attractive spaces,” he feels and adds, “in Calgary in particular, we’re really investing in what I call the urban fabric, making sure we have attractive neighbourhoods, where young people want to live? That there’s arts and culture and sports and recreation, even great public transit. These things aren’t just good in and about themselves; they are. But they are also really important economic strategies.”

 

The mayor’s interest in interacting with fellow city dwellers may well be a reason for his soaring popularity graph. Whenever he can, he makes the effort to reach out to people, be it by walking down the road or riding trains and asking commuters about their journey and what can be done to improve public transit.

 

Despite growing up in Canada, Mr. Nenshy is deeply interested in the region of his origin—South Asia. The only country in the area he has visited so far is Pakistan, where he went in 2001 in connection with an NGO. He still hasn’t been to India, a country he wants to visit. “There are a lot of opportunities (in India), and I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a trade mission from Calgary going to India in the medium term.”

 

Given his depth of experience across different sectors and his vision for the future, there’s a lot to expect from Mayor Nenshi in the days ahead.

 

And the hope that he will live up to those expectations.

By Bhaswati Ghosh

Unlike many South Asian parents, Anusha Sivalingam’s parents were quick to recognize her talent in music. They encouraged her to train. So she started learning South Indian classical music (Carnatic music) at the age of three for approximately seventeen years and went on to learn North Indian classical music (Hindustani) for three years.

 

Performing since the age of four, Anusha has recorded songs for approximately eight albums and three local movies. She has performed in the GTA, Montreal, many states in the United States, Germany, England, Malaysia and Singapore. She can sing in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannadam, and has learned about the intricacies and techniques of singing different styles of South Asian music. She has lively presence on stage. This summer she performed on the stage of Masala, Mehndi, Masti. Performing on Hindi songs in Tamil hyped up the crowd.

 

Her touch to the culture dates back to her infancy. Although never been back home, Anusha is literate in Tamil. “My mother tongue is Tamil, and my grandmother taught me how to read, write and speak the language, despite the fact that I had never been back home,” she tells Generation Next. “Music has no boundaries, as it is a universal language,” she says.

 

The highlights of her career have been to perform with many leading Indian playback singers including Shankar Mahadevan, Srinivas, Naresh Iyer, Sujatha, Chinmayi, Krish, Mano, Suchitra, Vijay Jesudas, etc.

 

“Being able to perform with such big names in the industry is always very humbling. All of the experiences I have had are memories that I will always cherish,” says Anusha.

 

However, Anusha has an Honours degree in Accounting from York University. Talking about her academic experience, Anusha says “As much as I love singing, I was very competitive in school and was always a straight-A student, receiving numerous academic awards. When I look back to my university years, I wonder how I did it – full-time classes, accounting association meetings on weekday evenings, and summer internships!”

 

Not only this, she is also a host of  a weekly television show in Tamil about Hinduism for a local Durka temple.

 

Anusha is also involved with organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

 

“In addition to doing various charity performances across the GTA, I also participated in a 24-hour non-stop concert to raise funds for the Scarborough Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital.  There is nothing more humbling than helping those in need and I am fortunate enough to be able to use my talent to help raise funds for worthy causes. In 2010, I was presented with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award by the Government of Ontario for my volunteer contributions within the community,” shares Anusha.

 

So, what’s her secret of success?

“My recipe for success is simple – stay grounded, strive for success, and stay optimistic. I am a perfectionist and I always push myself to work harder. As long as you’re open to keep learning, there’s no end to where you can go!”

 

 

Aman Chadda, Chairman of EEPC, Photo By www.nicevideophoto.com

“We always say that if you want 10 million plastic buckets, go to China. You want a good engineering product which will fit into your aircraft or vehicle; come to India where the quantity is also low and you get high-class manufactured products.”

“There is no Indian bureaucracy. There are no trade barriers. India welcomes foreign partners. That’s why we are here. We’ll facilitate foreign business..we’ll put them in touch with the right people. India is different India than it was 20, 30 years ago.”

The Indian “mela” of engineering and manufacturing industries took place between October 17^th and October 19^th at Direct Energy Centre. More than 154 Indian companies were in town to impress the Canadian market with Indian “Indo-vation” and value added products.

Generation Next got an opportunity to chat with Mr. Aman Chadda, Chairman of EEPC. EPPC is  an organization that represents more than 12,000 engineering manufacturing companies of India.

While we expected Mr. Chadda to be lackluster, he turned out to be a very ji dar kind of Punjabi gentleman. In his lively, yet frank manner, he responded to our blunt questions.

The purpose of having 154 companies come at one time is to “to draw attention..people do stand up to see you when you are in a large group..we want to make noise, so that people know that India is here..they may not do a lot of business today..but we are looking at long term business,” stated Mr. Chadda as he leaned forward on his sofa at the lobby of King Edward Hotel in Toronto.

The Indian engineering market’s strength is such that “We are at roughly $39 billion,” said Mr. Chadha. “Last year we did $60 billion in exports, that’s about 25 percent of the total exports of the country that came from engineering. We should close the year close to $80 billion, that’s still a 20 percent plus growth.”

While there is a lot of talk in town about Canada India free trade agreement, expected to be signed between the two countries in 2013, there is also a recognition that trade between the two countries is “very very minimal,” noted Mr. Chadda. Within engineering sector, this trade stands at $265 million only. India exports nearly 40 per cent of its engineering goods to Europe.

EEPC’s expectation; however is to triple the trade in engineering sector within three years’ time. “Wherever we go, we double the figure in under three or four years’ time,” said Mr. Chadda proudly.

Canadian Minister of International trade Minister Ed Fast has noted that the Canadian government is also looking into parallel agreements on human rights and environment with India. What does India think about it?

Mr. Chadda’s prompt response was “I am sure that’s what the government wants. The government doesn’t want..child labour in factories. Someone does that down the lane. There is a penalty cause for that..The government doesn’t want to do it, people do it…and we do clamp down on it. You can’t hold the government responsible…I’m sure in Canadian factories, there are also issues of..visa violations etc.”

An entrepreneur and not the engineer himself, Mr. Chadda does tire business in India. Among many engineering sectors, India’s automotive and agricultural sector is known for its high quality products, stated Mr. Chadda.

Green Energy technology, said the Chairman of EEPC can be hugely beneficial to India. Using analogies from his business sphere, he said green technologies are crucial, especially when the governments are “tightening the screws on pollution.”

The highlight of the India Show at the Canadian Manufacturing Show is $3,500 TATA Nano car, Reva’s electric car and electronic ballot machine that is used by nearly 700 million Indians to have their say in the democratic process.

In his opinion, electric car can gain traction in the Canadian market. Mr. Chadda was quite surprised at how the lights of buildings in Toronto are left turned on when there is no one there at nights.

When told that Ontario actually gives away its electricity to Quebec and New York for less than the cost that Ontarians pay, Mr. Chadda was appalled.

“Wow!” was his prompt reaction. “Why don’t they export it to India?”

This is something that, perhaps, Premier of Ontario should ponder over and work with an Indian company to develop technology to export Made in Ontario electricity to India.

Are products like TATA NANO car and $35 Aakahsh tablet PC sustainable and reliable?

In his response Mr. Chadda noted that Aakash tablet was designed by a Montreal based company called DataWind and manufactured at low cost in India. The designing of the product in North American and European markets may enhance acceptability of Indian products in North America and Europe.

Why, then, there is this impression that good products are not manufactured in India?

“We are into value-added products, we’re into high-engineering products,” he responded as if he was expecting the question. “We always say that if you want 10 million plastic buckets, go to China. You want a good engineering product which will fit into your aircraft or vehicle; come to India where the quantity is also low and you get high-class manufactured products.”

In 2009-2010, Indian engineering exports declined. Why?

“Global meltdown. Everyone had the problem,” he said as if it was obvious. “But we came the tops with 110 per cent growth rate,” added Mr. Chadda proudly.

We asked Mr. Chadda what he thinks about protest like “Occupy Wall Street” and “Occupy Bay Street.”

“It’s the problem that is affecting the whole world..We have to help the global economies,” he said.

“So you support the idea of bailouts,” we asked.

“Of course!” After a moment’s thought he added “..to certain extent..but if there’s a bailout after another bailout after another bailout then it should be amputated out,” he responded.

“Greece should be amputated out then,” we asked.

“Yes. There’s no other option. I foresee that happening.”

How will Indian markets be affected if there is another recession?

“We have heard of double dip and all the other sets of alphabets. We foresee the next six months to be tough. Our main market is European Union. We are diversifying. Not aggressively but we are promoting Brand India,” he said.

The message to Canadian businesses is that “We are diversifying, that’s one of the main reasons we are here in Canada promoting our ‘Brand India,’ promoting our luxury goods, letting the people know that we are capable of what they have not seen, said turban wearing Chairman of EEPC. “Many times they don’t even know that India is capable of producing, manufacturing these products.”

What is EEPC members’ trade like with SAARC countries?

“We hardly do any trade with them [Pakistan] because of the political situation..lots of trouble with economy..terrorism,” said Mr. Chadda somewhat reluctantly. “Bangladesh is a good market. Sri Lanka is developing…many Indian tire companies have manufacturing bases in Sri Lanka.. because rubber is available there,” he added. With Thailand, India does about 15 – 20 per cent of the trade.

In his opinion, creating a uniform tax and custom duty system worldwide will “level the playing field for everybody.”

Mr. Chadda urges Canadians to think of Indians as partners.

“I would say, please, greet us with open arms, we are not here to take jobs,” he said. “We are here to work in cooperation. We need Canada because they have the technology..we are good at low-cost manufacturing,” he said pleadingly.

India has invited 50 Canadian companies in March 2012 “in good faith”, said R. Maita, Executive Director of EEPC. He added that India has also invited 15 Pakistani companies to visit India next year.

When asked how Indian Diaspora in Canada can help Canada-India bilateral trade, he laughingly answered, “I think they should start trading with Indian partners as soon as possible.”

But there is so much red tape and bureaucracy in India, we pointed out.

“There is no Indian bureaucracy. There are no trade barriers. India welcomes foreign partners. That’s why we are here. We’ll facilitate foreign business..we’ll put them in touch with the right people. India is different India than it was 20, 30 years ago,” he said emphatically.

By Asma Amanat