In the South Building of University of Toronto, Mississauga campus, I met with one of the most inspiring South Asian educators. Most recently he has been appointed vice president and principal of the University of Toronto at Mississauga. I am referring to none other than Mr. Hargurdeep (Deep) Saini.

Although critics note that the senior hierarchal positions in Canadian institutions are not reflective of the diversity of the Canadian society, Mr. Saini still feels that Canada has made great strides with regard to its multiculturalism and acceptance of other people.  He remembers how during his first week in Canada in 1982, at the University of Alberta campus, he and his wife heard comments like; “Asians go home!” Such instances are, of course, rare and much more unacceptable in public.

Saini has been affiliated with the top learning institutions in both Australia and Canada. He has been Dean for the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies at Waterloo University for several years.

He was also part of the team that made the decision to change the watermark for University of Waterloo, a mistake he does not necessarily regret, but an err he has learned from.

Saini stresses that now more than ever is the time to invest in green energy. He suggests that we look at green energy solutions that are both renewable and sustainable such as geothermal, wind, solar, hydro. He is happy that the environment has become a ‘hot’ topic of discussion amongst young people.  Saini is pleased that environmental departments in universities are getting larger and that there are increasingly more opportunities for jobs and co-op placements in this field for students to make their passions into careers

Saini is fascinated with how Canadian universities can stand shoulder to shoulder with top universities around the world despite their youth and relatively low funding and grants.

Saini is fond of Dalton McGuinty’s dedication to educational institutions in Ontario. Although there has been much uproar about the hiking tuition fees, Saini wants to remind students that tuition fees are significantly lower in the Canadian universities than other top notch institutions around the world.  He also stresses that there is definitely a limit to how high tuition can be charged—depending on the government and the market- “we cannot make tuitions so high that we discourage good students from coming to the university” Saini asserts.

After completing his masters from Punjab Agricultural University, Hargurdeep (Deep) Saini had to make one of the biggest decisions in his life. He had just landed a job offer in India, and he had also received admission to pursue his Ph.D with one of the most accomplished scientists in Australia. With the job offering him more money than he would probably make in twenty years time, he asked his father for advice. Saini says that his father was a very thoughtful man, who immediately left home, came back half an hour later with an envelope in his hand. In the envelope were 10,000 rupees which was the price of a ticket to Australia at that time. His father said; “you will always have a job, but you will never have the opportunity to learn more and an opportunity to broaden your horizons”.

With all of the success that has come his way, Saini often finds himself taking a look back to reflect. He thinks back to a time in India during the sixth grade where all of the students in his class would sit on rugs instead of chairs. And now having one of the most senior positions in one of the top research institutions in the world, Saini is more than thankful for all of the opportunities that his life has given him.

Does that make him a religious man? Saini says that he is proud of his Sikh heritage, although he would consider himself more of a spiritual person. “My religion is humanity.”

Saini is proud of the hard work and ambition that has formed the South Asian presence in Canada. He encourages South Asians to hold on as resolutely to their present as much as they hold on so determinedly to their past.

He feels that Canada is taking part in a fascinating social experiment of multiculturalism, and that the University of Toronto at Mississauga is a microcosm of that diversity. He is proud of the way that the university has grown in the past ten years, and is eager for all of the growth that will take place through the expanding the social sciences and humanities department, medicine faculty alongside the general growth of space and university facilities.

Saini is looking forward to coming to Mississauga where he will be running the university.  He feels that the context is so special in terms of the growth, the frustrations and the realizations of the student body.

He is excited and ready for it all.

Author: Asma Amanat

Salman Ahmad is the guitarist and composer of Junoon, South Asia’s biggest and longest-lasting rock band.  Junoon has performed at BBC’s Mega Mela, the MTV music awards in India, and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.  As a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Ahmad is active in spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS in South Asia.  He is also currently teaching a class called “Islamic Music and Culture of South Asia” at Queens College, City University of New York.

1. 1. When you first learned that a Pakistani American man was linked to the attempted bombing of Times Square, how did you react?

Only a week earlier, Junoon had performed in Times Square on Earth Day.  Our songs’ messages of joy, unity, and peace was appreciated by everyone – a mini planet Earth of New Yorkers, Mayor Bloomberg, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.  But then all that good work was wiped clean by a moron brainwashed by murderous thugs masquerading as holy men.  My first reaction was that Pakistani Americans need to organize themselves and speak in one voice against wackos like Faisal Shehzad who are destroying the name of Islam and Pakistan.  I’m happy that the Pakistani community in America has shown zero tolerance and has publicly condemned this alleged terrorist’s failed attempt at blowing up Times Square.

1. 2. What are your thoughts on the recent raids that have been taking place by the FBI on Pakistani American households?  Do you think they are necessary for this investigation?

The law enforcement agencies need to realize that the Pakistani-American community is an asset to the United States.  These are teachers, doctors, lawyers, firemen, artists, home-makers and others who have been contributing to their local communities for decades.  They are loyal American citizens and a natural firewall against terrorism.  Raids against innocent US citizens will only complicate the issue of radicalism among young Muslims.  The real solution is to treat American Muslims with respect and justice.  Sharing intelligence with them will get their cooperation and trust.

1. 3. Are you afraid that this event is the start of another Red Scare in the United States, but this time involving Pakistani Americans or all Muslim Americans?

There is a danger of things spiraling out of control if we don’t remain vigilant both from the Pakistani-American community perspective and that of mainstream American media and society.  Terrorists have a single point agenda: they want to drive a wedge of hate and fear between cultures and nations.  Civil society has to act smarter and unite to defeat the extremists and the fear mongers.

1. 4. Do you think that the media deliberately focuses on negative images of the Pakistan American community?

The media thrives on chaos.  If it bleeds it leads.  Pakistani-Americans have to engage with the media and show the true peaceful practice of Islam and Muslim culture.  In America every culture is celebrated and as I write in my new book, Rock and Roll Jihad, music, poetry, and sports give expression to people.  Through sports, music, books, movies, and community service we can highlight what Pakistani-Americans really stand for and counter the extremist’s narrative of hate and division.

1. 5. You and you wife had established The Salman and Samina Global Wellness Initiative (SSGWI) which is based in New York.  What had prompted both of you to do this?

We all live in a world which is facing multiple threats – terrorism, poverty, global warming, nuclear proliferation, illiteracy.  Communication and education is key to meeting all of these challenges.  SSGWI helps promote cross cultural dialogue, education and wellness through arts and culture.  SSGWI organized the concert for Pakistan at the United Nation General Assembly last year to raise awareness about the 3 million Internally Displaced Persons in Northern Pakistan.  We are also doing projects in the US, UK, and Pakistan, in which we are reaching out to young people and promoting pluralism and coexistence.  For more information, check out www.ssgwi.org

1. 6. One of the fundraising efforts your organization is involved with is raising money for Pakistan’s Internally Displaced Persons.  Do you think that there should be more awareness about the need for funds and resources for the millions of Pakistanis that are losing their homes as a result of the Pakistani army’s battle against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda?

I believe that the Pakistani-American community has great potential to bring significant social change both in Pakistan and in America.  We have to learn to unite and organize ourselves and provide community service in whatever capacity we can – small or large.

1. 7. You also recently published a book called Rock & Roll Jihad.  What was the main message you were trying to convey to your readers?

I wanted to share my personal story of following my heart, channeling my frustration through music and becoming an internationally recognized artist.  I hope that other young people will also listen to the whisper in their hearts and follow their passion.  That passion could be writing, medicine, sports or science, but we need to try and excel at anything we set our heart to do.  Hai jazba e junoon to himmat na haar justajoo jo karey voh chue aasman!

1. 8. You overtly promote interfaith dialogues and projects.  Do you think these efforts are especially important now in the wake of recent events regarding the Times Square incident?

When you see with the heart all the masks fall down.  As Rumi said, “If you follow the music, it will show you the way.”  Generation Next Magazine readers can also follow me in Twitter at Sufisal.

Author: Tehreem Rehman

Watching Prita perform on the stage from afar was an experience that filled my mind with wonder and astonishment. She was not merely a good singer but an exceptional performer as well. This small woman was energetic and filled the stage with her positive aura, yet she later spoke about the struggles of an upcoming artist. When I got a chance to talk to her, like a rude reporter, I remarked about her size and energy proportionality; she laughed aloud and said that people call her ‘Monster Prita’ who has a small body frame but an exceptionally loud, melodious and energetic voice.

Prita did her degree in psychology but after fulfilling her filial duty, she pursued her dreams in the music industry. The decision was hard and she was aware of the struggles that awaited her. She says that every artist struggles in the industry initially. She is blunt about the realistic aspect as well, “We are all struggling artists but nobody likes to talk about it like that. They wear fancy clothes so they can look very successful but the reality is that even people with record labels are struggling in this industry right now.”

Prita says that although I have to turn to my parents for financial problems sometimes but still they are proud of my achievements, especially when they see me performing with artists like Russell Peters and Jay Sean.

Born in Montreal, Prita has never had a chance to visit India, but she has faced the same problems as any other minority while growing up. She recalls her school saying, “When I was young there weren’t a lot of south Asians around, I thought that the world was actually Jewish. I felt like I didn’t fit in, I hated being South Asian. As I grew up I realized that those are thoughts I put in my head because I was insecure about being South Asian.”

She further says that this has completely changed now, “Now we have South Asians in the mainstream, so now I think the youth has those south Asian people to look up to. The schools are very diverse now. My brother who is 18 loves being an Indian. Now I think whatever they are facing, they are facing as ONE youth, no matter what their ethnicity is.”

Prita wants to be that artist who inspired people to pursue their dreams. Even though many youngsters these days are running after their musical dreams, Prita advises them to not lose their heart and be realistic about the struggles that await them.

This girl who says that she is spiritual in nature thinks about herself as an instrument of god when she is writing her songs, “they are based on different inspirations; that is your imagination shouting to be expressed.”  Her likes to write about lost love, partying, romance and even feminism.

But her struggling career has also seen success at times. Over the past year, Prita has toured Canada performing for thousands as part of RBC desifest (Canada’s national South Asian music festival); was the featured music performer at Bollywood star Rahul Bose’s Oxfam Canada benefit; opened for Grammy nominated soul artist Eric Roberson; and was featured alongside world renowned comic Russell Peters at Tampa’s first India Film Festival.

Recently, Prita made history as the first South Asian Canadian musician to open for an artist #1 on the Billboard charts, when she opened for British R&B superstar Jay Sean at the Hershey Centre in December 2009 for over 2,000 fans.

Prita also received worldwide media attention when she became the first South Asian recording artist to sing the national anthems at an NBA game, this past April 4th for the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre in front of 15,000 fans. Prita was immediately invited by the NBA to sing for the Orlando Magic only a few days later on April 9th at the Amway Arena.

Author:Saniya Zahid

When it comes to pursuing a career in fashion Shenaya Khan stresses that such a competitive industry requires that one have a goal of what one wants to do, and to do it very well.

Twenty- one year old model, make- up artist, fashion designer and actress Shenaya Khan has a lengthy resume that highlights both her passion and commitment to the fashion industry. A recent graduate from Ryerson’s fitness training program, Khan has recently received admission to London College of Fashion- where she will learn from fashion gurus the secrets of her trade.

Having spent five years in the multicultural capital of the world, Khan’s fashion interests have burgeoned through fusion of western and eastern fashion.

In terms of relationships, Khan says that although she has been getting proposals since she was fifteen, she prefers to settle down with a love marriage. Although she states that arranged marriages are not necessarily bad, she feels that they lack the chemistry and love that otherwise sustains love marriages.

For Khan, the most pressing issues facing youth today, are those that sidetrack them from education, work, and relationships. She feels that drugs and substance abuse play a strong role in such distractions and encourages young people to stay rooted- and stay clean. She also stresses that it is necessary, especially for those pursuing careers in competitive fields like fashion to have a back- up plan.

Khan herself is also a fitness trainer, and goes to the gym three times a week in order to stay fit and healthy. She stresses that in her field, there is a requirement to ‘present yourself’- and this often means that you have to be fit. When asked how skinny models should be, she responds that it is necessary to some have meat on your body, otherwise you won’t look nice.

Her advice is for youth to follow their dreams, to not be disheartened, to think big and you can achieve what ever you want.

‘You always have a choice.’ This is a phrase that I became acquainted with in recent years, when I was sure that I had crossed my adolescent years and finally the power over my life had shifted to my own hands. My parents had finally given me the authority to leave their nest and make my first flight.

As a student, as a child and as a teenager, I had heard this over and over again from my peers that we had little choice over matters that were paving the path of our lives. What we were learning and how we were learning was not in our hands. A few years ago, when I was smitten with literature and wanted to explore Shakespeare in detail at school, my teachers had asked me to take my request elsewhere, I had no say in the curriculum. I felt frustrated, annoyed, sad and hopeless. They knew what they wanted to teach me and how they wanted to teach me. I was nothing more than a puppet.

But gladly, this is not the scenario for students in Canada. They have a voice and they have a choice!

As a student, if you thought that your Student Council was the highest authority that spoke for you, then you are mistaken. The Student Trustees at your school board represent your interests and concerns at higher level. They represent the voice of students in decisions about education in Peel, and they help keep students informed about important decisions that affect them. The Peel board has two student trustees—one representing schools north of Highway 401 and one representing schools south of Highway 401.

Bhavan Sandhu, from Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School, represents schools north of 401 and Sahil Kumar, from Cawthra Park Secondary School, represents schools south of the 401.

Bhavan heard about this position for the first time from her teacher who nominated her to run for the elections, whereas Sahil had his eyes on the post from a couple of years. All the schools in Peel region act as constituencies and through vigorous campaigns, youtube videos and speeches at several schools, these two posts are finally filled after a fair election.

Bhavan and Sahil both agree that being a Student Trustee is a big commitment as they voice concerns for all the students in the Peel.

While talking about the matters that concern high school students,Bhavan says, “We bring cultural problems, what need to be changed in the curriculum and anything that impacts students in a negative way.”

Sahil further elaborates and says that these are not the concerns about the mirrors in your school washrooms but important issues, “One issue we brought at the beginning of the year was that a Muslim student had problem dissecting a pig for biology. So, we brought it forward.”

Bhavan adds by saying that we also have concerns about the uniformity throughout the schools in Peel region, “it is not fair when students complain that they went to a tough school and have low grades while applying to universities. The board is working to resolve this issue by reviewing the curriculum and teaching methods.”

Sahil and Bhavan smile while talking about the benefits they get for being student trustees. They both had mentors to guide them when they stepped into the office. They became familiar with meetings, procedures and proper steps, communicating with the student body in the most efficient manner and improved their skills as leaders. Also, student trustees receive an honoraria of $2,500 and are provided with $1,500 to be used for conferences and training. They are also reimbursed for expenses they incur in their role as student trustee.

As they are both full time students and working hard to maintain their grades in their last year of high school, one is inclined to ask them about time management. They attend a meeting every week and have to give about 15-20 each month to their responsibilities as a student trustee.

Bhavan who is studying sciences and wants to be a pediatrician in the future and hoping to go to McMaster University this year, says, “ It’s not like we never have time. We are in grade 12 and have to keep up with the studies and our responsibilities. But there are things that we do less, but that doesn’t mean we don’t do them at all, partying being one of them. It’s just that our focus has changed.” Bhavan also enjoys atheletics and has been on a team each year.

Sahil on the other hand is artistic in nature and attended Cawthra Park Secondary School that specializes in regional arts program. But Sahil is leaning towards health sciences as well and hoping to go to either McMaster or Mcgill University. He laughs and says that his grandparents had a hand in influencing his change of interest.

Thinking about the year they spent in the office Bhavan says, “ It has been a great experience, I have learned a lot. It makes you see the education system differently.”

While Sahil had something to say to the youth out there, “Youth should also concentrate on getting aware of stuff. It’s ironic how we are at an educational building but we hardly see people our age get involved. It’s always the adults. Students should try to come to board meeting and try to get to see what’s happening here. There is always cool stuff happening as well that doesn’t get advertised.”

Well, if you are 16 and above and would like to voice your choice to the board then follow in the path of these two and secure yourself a seat in the Student Trustee Office! To find out more about this position, visit the Peel District School Board website at http://www.peel.edu.on.ca/student/trustees/trustees.htm

A man of many carefully chosen words, Rana Sarkar comes off as a composed, unruffled individual whose knowledge on politics is unrivalled. At first. But when caught off-guard with unexpected questions, he responds with “Oh gosh!” before revealing the man behind the cautiously constructed public mask.

Currently the President and Executive Director of Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC), Sarkar’s image is that of a confident, accomplished man who has achieved much in his short but illustrious career in the field of business and politics. Born in India, Sarkar chose to study Political Science as an undergraduate that brought forth horrified exclaims from concerned relatives. Sarkar laughs out aloud when he remembers them saying, “My god! This boy is going to be unemployable!” And has he been “unemployable”? He smiles and answers, “My career has been a great run. You try a number of things. And, some things work and some things don’t.”

Onto his favourite topic, Sarkar does not think it is “uncool” to be involved in politics. According to him, it is difficult to disengage politics from real life. And, this has been true for him from his teenage years where he was involved in politics. He explains, “[In] the 80s, coming out of the 1970’s when modern Canada was being formed… there was a lot up for grabs. There was a secular shift in a lot of ideas… I was taken with the idea that [Canada] is a country where we are creating our own narrative and I saw a lot of… political excitement in that [change]”. He also believes that “another great opportunity that he had was in the early 90s after finishing university” when he was faced with the question, “well, what am I gonna do?” At that time, there were “very few job opportunities”, and Sarkar professes that he believed that he was going to be a part of the “first generation of kids who lived in their parents’ basements indefinitely”.

Without being able to find opportunities in Canada that were “globally engaging”, Sarkar decided to turn towards London. London was the “fulcrum of globalization” during that period. Sarkar believes that “cities have its moments and it was London’s moment at that time”. Thus, Sarkar was able to be at the right place at the right time. He was able to take advantage of his position by taking part in several initiatives at once because that moment in time made it “possible” for him to “work in Asia, Europe”, and to be “involved  in businesses on the side” and in “cultural industries” on the other. But Canada eventually drew him back with its many possibilities.

One of those possibilities was the Canada-India Business Council. Sarkar sees Canada’s relationship with India as a relationship of immense possibilities. In  reference to his article in Globe and Mail, Sarkar firmly advocates his earlier views on free trade agreements between Canada and India. According to him, “India is no longer just a source of straight call-center… or BPO outsourcing… That level of fear of India is a five year old story… When Canada look[s] at India, they see one of the greatest growth markets… There will always be nay-sayers. [There will be] people who say ‘we can’t change’… The world is changing… Our secular opportunity is how we can get involved in that change”.

He is obvious in separating the C-IBC from other organizations by calling it an apolitical organization that aims to bring together the “elite” of Canadian businesses with the elite of Indian businesses at the leadership level. His stance is that “For businesses to be developed between the two countries, much more significant engagement at the leadership level is required so that it creates a back-draft on which a lot of other things can be done”.

As one of the co-chairs for the Masters of Global Affairs at the Munk Center of Global Affairs at University of Toronto, he also wants to create “a global connectivity at the educational level for young Canadians… and for global students to come to Canada… and create a global conversation”. He envisions “a generation of Canadians who are much more engaged with the world”. No wonder he comes off as an academic while talking about free trade between Canada and India.

As a father who spends all his free time with his two young sons, he feels that “fathers in previous eras missed out by not engaging in small intimacies”, like cooking for their kids or just taking care of them in their wives’ absence. All business and serious while talking about C-IBC, Sarkar’s face is touched by emotion and relieved of any tension when he talks about being a father and a husband.

He feels lucky to be a part of the new generation of fathers who can be a huge part of his children’s lives. And, as a self-professed “secular humanist with a good smattering of Vedanta superimposed with more contemporary Buddhism”, Sarkar admits to foreseeing a future of change that his children can be a part of. A change that will let them choose to become “who they want to be”, without outward admonitions that oh “My god! This boy is going to be unemployable!”

Author:  Sanchari Sur

We have all heard about the United Way, whether we were looking at an event poster and saw the little red symbol at the end, or we were hearing it in someone’s speech at an event, “…funded by the United Way” or we were just riding the TTC on a Wednesday afternoon and stopped to buy a pizza slice to support the United Way. We are all familiar with United Way in one-way or another. We all know that it’s a charity organization that is working throughout our city to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life.

This charity organization that is supporting thousands also needs support, support from the young and strong. And for such an endeavor they have a group of volunteers in 20’s and 30’s who are helping them out to advance in their charitable goals. The GenNext.

Comprised of a cabinet of volunteers, GenNext encourages people in 20’s and 30’s to become involved in United Way through giving and volunteering. GenNext creates fun opportunities for individuals to support United Way Toronto and its partner agencies. The GenNext Cabinet organizes fundraising events, promotes volunteer activities, encourages people to contribute to our city, and provides a forum for people to connect and get involved.

We are inspired when we look at the GenNext cabinet as spectators, but we were eager to know what it is like for these young professionals to devote their valuable time and energy to United Way to help out. What is that factor that is motivating them to show their support and give back to their community at such a young age?

Talking to one of their Community & Agency Engagement Officers, Chrishyami Sivaraj and one of their Leadership Program Officers, Sophia Javed, we went through their journey of devotion with them.

Sophia Javed, graduate of University of Toronto and a lawyer by profession, heard about GenNext through her workplace, “United Way raises money through many different ways, one of which is workplace campaigns. Companies support United Way by organizing events at their workplaces. We had a lot of student events at the law firm that I was working at. People were biding on people to play karaoke. It was a great way to have fun and raise money.”

They motivated her enough to apply for the position and compete with hundreds for this voluntary post,. Her GenNext colleague, Chrishyami Sivaraj, got involved through United Way volunteer program. She graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with an honors Business Administration and is now a Human Resource specialist, “ I thought it was a great way to get to know about more services that the United Way is involved with.”

These two empowered young professional women already have their hands full because of their demanding careers but still they are handling this voluntary position with great enthusiasm and big smiles. Chrishyami smiles at us and says, “It can be difficult at times, but when you are really passionate about something, you can take out time to do it.”

Well, I could understand her commitment as I was sitting at a Tim Horton’s at 8 at night to know more about their programs. All the offices nearby were closed; the sun was going down, yet there were four ladies sitting in a secluded corner paying utmost attention to the conversation going on. They were all eager about the work they do.

Chrishyami continued, “I find United Way a great organization as it supports local initiatives and communities; helping newcomers, building better lives, getting youth involved, taking care of seniors. They support a variety of local agencies.”

Everywhere we go we hear about people talking about newcomers and the dire need to help them. This continuous rampant makes it sound overrated and we were not polite enough to say it otherwise. Chrishyami did not take that comment easily and replied with a little concern, “I don’t think that it’s overrated. With such a large population, there are many who are benefited from the services that United Way agencies provide. And a lot of people don’t know what is out there and United Way is committed to making that awareness.”

We could see the little crease on her forehead while she took a moment to think and continue, “We are all working and making more money but where is the balance in our lives? So we are trying to get more young people involved. Part of my role is to create events and encourage volunteers within our generation.”

Talk about volunteering among four South Asian women might seem a bit odd to someone from this community, as our parents do not talk about working for free, so we brought up the issue. Chrishyami gave a little laugh and replied, “Absolutely. South Asians are very much interested in volunteering especially in our generation, we want to try new things, get involved, and give back to the community. It’s really helped us thrive. In some of the events we organize a lot of people want to give back.”

Sophia had some more insight on the issue, “ I agree that the concept of volunteering was a little bit alien to our parents but a lot of our generation has benefited from a lot of services that some of the community agencies provides. We are children of immigrants and we saw our parents thrive. Now that we are successful professionals, now our generation will be able to help and give back to the community.”

We had been talking about events and volunteering from last half hour, so we asked about the nature of events that these young ladies spoke so highly about. Chrishyami was the first to reply, “ We organize Days of Caring. A couple of hours a day, we organize an event at one of our member agencies so that our generation can get out there and get involved with specific agencies.”

Sophia added to that by saying, “There are over 250 agencies that United Way funds support. So our role is to organize events and create awareness about where the funding goes to.”

As a part of GenNext cabinet, these young women are acting as leaders in various situations, so we asked them about the experience they have had so far and the valuable lessons they have learnt. Chrishyami said that giving back to the community was the most important thing that she had learnt while Sophia agreed that a few hours from our time has power enough to put a smile on a child’s face or a healthy meal on someone’s table.

The GenNexters are spending more than 20 hours a week from their lives to turn their efforts into success but one is inclined to wonder if we need organizations like United Way in a welfare country like Canada. Sophia replied with a question of her own and a smile on her face, “If there wasn’t a need then would United Way be as big as it is?”

Well, she did make a point and she was also proud of the transparency of United Way, “A lot of people give money but don’t know how it is spent. So getting involved is a good idea to understand how it is spent. United Way is pretty transparent in this aspect.”

Author: Saniya Zahid

Billal Sarwar of South Asian Generation Next had an opportunity to meet and interview the TTC Chair and Ward 18 Councilor Adam Giambrone. Below is the conversation he enjoyed with this ex-mayoral candidate who was amidst a lot of controversy during last months.

An article in the national post has referred to the Scarborough light rail as “second-class public transit” and “ultimately unproductive”. Mayoral Candidate Rocco Rossi has a plan that entails building subway extensions to Scarborough.

Why shouldn’t the suburbs of Toronto have the same standard of public transportation?

Toronto has a good subway network for a population of 1.5 million people; the problem is our actual population is about double that figure. We have to look at the solution that makes the most sense; some areas in Toronto have a high population density, while others don’t. For the most part, you don’t find high density in Scarborough. Subways are designed to carry large volumes of people. You can’t just build subways for rush hour traffic, there needs to be a consistency of a certain amount of passengers through out the day. Light rail is 1/5 the cost of subways and also allows you develop population densities so that in the future (20 or 30 years) there might be a time when these subways would be justified. Well you might say why not build them now? The problem is the city has other needs/priorities, and we don’t have the money to extend deeply into Scarborough.

George Smitherman, Rocco Rossi and Sarah Thomson are no strangers to politics, yet not one of them are a City Councilor.

Do you feel this could negatively affect their performance as Mayor if one of them is elected?

I think it’s going to be a challenge for anybody outside city hall who hasn’t been here before. It’s a different order of government and consequently it also works very differently. Relationships are a good example; it’s not like the provincial or federal government where you have caucus; the Mayor has famously described city council as a government filled with 44 political parties. In general we’ll have to wait and see, the right people can make things work.

The other day I saw a Youtube add that read: Choose Rocco Rossi, “the only candidate who isn’t a political insider”

Why do you think Mr. Rossi’s add wants to insinuate being a “political insider” is something negative?

It’s always been that way, at least for the last 30 years. It’s a pretty common technique, the other one being “it’s time for a change” Barack Obama was obviously a Washington insider; he was a Senator, which is as inside as it gets. However, he still played as an outsider. There is always a constant goal to connect with people on a very direct basis. A Canadian example would be how Premier Dalton McGuinity talks about his kids as a Father, not a Premier, but as a Father.

Do you plan on running for Mayor or any other specific elected positions in the future?

I will in the future. Many politicians such as Jean Creatin have stepped in an out of politics. I’ve got 35 years left and I’ve only been elected for 7. Usually hiccups like these have ended up being blessings in disguise. For example, I initially wanted to be Chair of the Works Committee, but long story short, it didn’t happen. However, that allowed me to become the Vice Chair of the TTC, which led me to become the Chair of the TTC.  As for my current situation, I feel I cut short my work abroad as an archaeologist by being elected too early. Now I may have the chance to go back abroad.

An article in the National Post said that you were an advocate of internet voting. Having more Facebook friends than David Miller you’re probably the most popular Toronto politician on Facebook.

With your current online popularity, don’t you think it’s self-serving to promote internet voting?

One point that I stress to my staff is that you have two choices on situations of this nature: you can be a leader and step up to the plate early, or you can be dragged into it kicking and screaming when it becomes a reality three years later. A good example is “open data” which was received with a lot of reluctance. I kept forwarding articles from the Economist and from other governments to tell people that it was coming; you can put it off for 2 or 3 years, but it’s going to come. It’s the same thing with internet voting; it’s coming, Markham already does it. You need to embrace change and work the problems out early on. As a leader you have to see what’s coming, and listen and understand to make wise decisions about the future. It’s not about where you are right now; it’s about where you’re going to be.

Kelly McParland of the National Post referred to your youtube video entitled “I’m ready” as “juvenile” while others said it lacked political content.

[Adam cuts me off again with a hint of annoyance- saying “And other people said it was a brilliant campaign strategy”]

In retrospect, do you think this video was a wise or appropriate choice to kick off your campaign for Mayor?

Think about it this way, in any election for Mayor you’re only going to win with at most a 40% vote. What you’re targeting is forty percent; sixty percent are going to vote against you. The media was actually quite split, half liked it and half didn’t. It went instantly viral and galvanized a certain percentage of the vote. The worst thing you could do is make a very bland video that no one gets excited about. If no one gets excited about the video, it’s not going to spread. It doesn’t matter if 60% of people don’t think it’s a good idea, if 40% do, and go out to vote then that’s where the real success will lie.

In many articles that I’ve read, you’ve been described as very agreeable with Mayor David Miller. Are there any specific issue(s) that you and the Mayor disagree on?

I like the Mayor and I think we share a lot of similar beliefs, which is why we work together really well. But if you want I can give you a specific example where we disagree. The Mayor and Council are currently doing this Bixi bike sharing program; we’re going to begin with 1000 bikes. In order for this to work better, I would have gone with 3000-4000 bikes. You need to suck it up, and you just need to do it. Another example is I would have closed Queen st. for car free day, but the Mayor chose, and he might be right, to apply it to somewhere else. The disagreement on issues is a matter of degree and not fundamental differences. Different individuals have their priorities set in different places.

If you had the opportunity to address all the Youths of Toronto, what would your message be to them?

Take leadership roles especially in your community. You don’t have to wait until you’re a certain age to be qualified. There are lots of opportunities to take an active role, and I say just do it. It could be in politics, it could even be teaching dance moves to young kids; just get involved.

Author:Billal Sarwar

This twenty-four year old Sagittarian and former Humber College student admits that her modeling career took off as recently as this year. A credit specialist with RBC, she took to modeling as a hobby. Even though she holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, she confesses that she stayed with RBC for the opportunities they provided to her in the form of promotions. When asked about how she sees herself in ten years, she responds without any hesitation, “having a hotshot job at the bank”. However, she also makes it clear that if she finds opportunities in modeling, or elsewhere, that is where she will go.

Author: Sanchari Sur

Growing up, I had always been under the impression that actresses and models were self-centered beings that co-existed with mere mortals only because they had to. However, a former Miss India USA, and an upcoming actress in Sajid Nadiadwala’s Anjaana  Anjaani, Pooja Kumar is anything but stuck up. And thus, I was quite unprepared for a friendly voice that greeted me at the other end of the line when I called her for our phone interview.

Thirty-three year old Kumar hails from an immigrant family with no connections in the film industry. Yet, she has managed to make a name for herself in a field few South Asians would willingly venture into. When asked why she chose acting, “of all things”, she laughs and answers, “I used to always play in musicals while growing up and Indian-Americans … were not inclined, motivated or inspired to go into the arts as a profession. It is sort of understood that entertainment is sort of unpredictable and our parents came here to have us have better opportunities… I understand their predicament for not gearing us to go into the entertainment field… so I set [acting] on the side and never thought of it as a full time profession.” However, it was the title of Miss India USA that brought her to the notice of Amitabh Bachchan Corp. Ltd. She managed to get chosen out of 60,000 contestants. However, she contends that despite her success, “[a]t that time the opportunities were opening up but it wasn’t full fledged available”.

But there is more to Kumar than what meets the eye. Kumar, whose parents hail from Utter Pradesh, speaks Hindi and Urdu at home. And yet, this fearless actress started her acting career with a Tamil movie (Kaadhal Rojave), a language that she has no knowledge of. How did she do it? “It’s really funny that you [ask this question]” Kumar answers, “they wrote the dialogues phonetically in English… But Tamil I can’t speak, or read, or write… it was difficult at first. I will tell you the biggest test of an actor is if you can act without knowing the language… It was very challenging… Basically, it was memorizing gibberish”. But she also adds that she has “a strong affiliation towards South India… [having] learnt Bharatnatyam in Chennai”.

But acting aside, Kumar has also been a VJ for Channel V in India. What made her leave her job? “I wanted a great experience in India and transcend and move over to the US. Over here, there is so few of us who are actually doing it professionally and on a full time basis…  I wanted to be one of the people to pioneer and get more people involved in the entertainment business. Five years ago… I took a risk and left a real good opportunity and came over here to encourage South Asians to write… and create more projects”.

Kumar has also donned the producer’s hat in the past with her two short films “1001 Auditions” and “Shoot My Life”. Did she feel more responsible because she was financially invested in them? “Producing a film is a whole other realm of film-making. As an actor, you learn your lines… as a producer you start the project from basically a piece of paper… you see the journey of this project all the way up to the screen. It’s almost like a baby. You see it from its birth and then you see it grow up. I am very much invested in all my projects… as an actor, not all of the things are in your hands… but as a producer… you can add so many different layers to [the project]… it’s a whole other level of investment. Financial, emotional or artistic.”

And Anjaana Anjaani? Have you started working for it already? “Yes” she pauses tentatively and adds, “We are not supposed to talk too much about it because its releasing pretty soon”. Having read about Nadiadwala’s strict instructions to his stars to not tweet about the upcoming movie, I was well aware of this fact. To avoid putting Kumar under duress, I asked instead, how was it working with Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor? “I really admire Priyanka. I think Priyanka and Ranbir are probably the two of the most finest actors in Bollywood to work with right now… I was very lucky to work with a woman like that. She is extremely hardworking and very talented, She knows exactly what her role is and how to handle it in many situations… she has a versatility about her”.

And what about the future? Kumar has her hands full with two scripts and a play. She says, “One [script] is from Bollywood and one is from Hollywood… I am producing a play later on this year, but you have to just wait and see”.

We concluded the interview with her personal mantra: “Always follow and believe in your dreams and your dreams will come true”.

By Sanchari Sur