Fugitive drug trafficker Hardeep Singh captured in Canada sentenced to seven years

4 April 2014

SEATTLE: A former Seattle-area man who fled to Canada during his 2009 drug trial has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Hardeep Singh, 23, formerly of Kent, was convicted in absentia of conspiracy to distribute ecstasy after he fled following the first day of his trial. Singh was arrested last year in Canada and extradited to the U.S. to face sentencing.

His co-conspirator Kaushal Kainth, 25, formerly of Renton, also fled and remains at large.

According to testimony at trial and records filed in the case, in May 2009, Kainth and Singh agreed to pay a man to deliver large amounts of ecstasy and another drug, BZP, to co-conspirators at the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila and to a location in San Jose, California. The delivery man, who was working with HSI, recorded both defendants on audio and video. In all, Kainth and Singh gave the delivery man nearly 285,000 pills worth more than $2.8 million, which were seized by HSI.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington prosecuted the case.

Delta basketball tournament a slam dunk for police and youth

4 April 2014

ON April 5, the Delta Police Department are holding their 4th annual 3-on-3 Boys Basketball Tournament. This year the organizers are expecting upwards of 100 grade 8-12 students representing 25 teams.

“We started this tournament as a way for us to connect positively with the youth in Delta and it just took off from there. Now our teams come from schools all over the Lower Mainland to play in the two divisions,” said A/Sgt. Sukh Sidhu, one of the tournament’s organizers.

Last year’s winners, a grade 11 team from Tamanawis High School, will be back to defend their title and a chance to win bragging rights, trophies, and a $50 Future Shop Gift Certificate for each winning team member. There are also many other prizes that will be given out during the day within the two divisions, Senior (Grade 11 and12) and Junior (Grade 8-10).

An event of this size takes a considerable amount of planning and there are over 20 volunteers who will be making sure the event runs smoothly for all of the players. The event is sponsored by the Delta Police Department, North Delta Secondary School, The Delta School District, Delta Parks and Recreation, and Virsa.

Unprecedented gathering of art marks Komagata Maru centenary

4 April 2014

Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru: April 12 to June 15
Opening reception: April 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Artist’s Talk with Ali Kazimi: April 12, 6:30 p.m.

MARKING the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru episode, Surrey Art Gallery’s group exhibition Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru brings together for the first time a cross-section of visual art related to this history, and presents these works alongside art that addresses more recent histories of mass migration from Asia to Canada’s West Coast. Ten artists from Canada and India contribute works – in a wide range of media including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, 3D film, and installation art – that explore history’s relationship to memory, mass media’s affects on personal experience, the creative use of fact and fiction, and the visual narratives of transpacific mass migration. Over the course of the exhibition, events such as artist’s talks, film screenings, tours, Family Day, and a symposium make for a deeper connection to the artworks and the ideas behind them. Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru is on exhibit at the Surrey Art Gallery from April 12 to June 15. Admission to this exhibition is by donation.

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamship that sailed to Vancouver in 1914, carrying 376 passengers from Punjab, India. Only 23 passengers were allowed to land, and following two months of detention in Vancouver’s harbour the ship was forced to return to India. The Komagata Maru episode has come to reflect a troubling moment in Canadian history when the federal government’s discriminatory immigration policies coincided with widespread racism among mainstream Canadian society. The episode had tragic consequences for many individuals. It has become an important locus for conversations on Canadian history, identity, and citizenship. The Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru exhibition reveals the frequently overlooked contribution to these conversations from contemporary Canadian visual artists.

Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru features a diverse set of imagery in a variety of media by artists Roy Arden, Avantika Bawa, Ali Kazimi, Evan Lee, Ken Lum, Mass Arrival (Farrah Miranda, Graciela Flores, Tings Chak, Vino Shanmuganathan, Nadia Saad), Raghavendra Rao, Haris Sheikh, Jarnail Singh, and Paul Wong. Portland-based artist Avantika Bawa uses large-scale drawing and sculptural installation to reinterpret the original route of the Komagata Maru and its passengers’ journey from Asia to Canada and back again.

Toronto filmmaker and new media artist Ali Kazimi has created a new immersive 3D film installation that presents a series of vignettes about everyday life for South Asian Canadians on shore during the time of the Komagata Maru’s detention in Vancouver’s harbour. Surrey-based artist Jarnail Singh will present the newest and largest in a series of paintings he has been working on about the Komagata Maru episode. Evan Lee, a Vancouver-based artist, has created a new set of inkjet prints using 3D digital modelling based on press photography from the arrival of two boats to Canada’s West Coast: the MV Ocean Lady from Sri Lanka in 2009, and the MV Sun Sea from China’s Fujian province in 1999.

Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru is presented in partnership with Komagata Maru 1914 – 2014, a collaboration between eight organizations across Metro Vancouver that are presenting events and exhibitions related to the living legacies of the Komagata Maru episode. www.komagatamaru100.com

Also on exhibit is BogScape, a sound art installation inspired by Burns Bog by Surrey-based media artist Matt Smith. BogScape is part of Open Sound 2014: Sonorous Kingdom, an exhibition about sound and vegetation.

Exhibition launch with artist’s talk and opening reception:
Ruptures in Arrival: Art in the Wake of the Komagata Maru launches on April 12 with an artist’s talk at 6:30 p.m., followed by an opening reception from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (formal remarks at 7:45 p.m.). Toronto-based artist Ali Kazimi will give an illustrated talk about his art practice, major works, and the context for his work on display in the exhibition. There is another event taking place on this evening, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early in order to find parking. Admission to the opening reception and artist’s talk is free (donations are gratefully received).

Exhibition tours:
Thursday, April 24, 7-8:30 p.m.

Be part of an informal tour of the exhibition led by Jordan Strom, curator, Surrey Art Gallery, and hear interesting stories about the artworks and artists. After the tour, stay for refreshments and conversation.
By donation; Surrey Art Gallery Association members free.

Location: Surrey Art Gallery
To find out more, visit: vancouverfoundation.ca or follow on social media: Facebook.com/vancouverfdn
or @VancouverFdn.

Surrey Art Gallery is located at 13750 – 88 Avenue, Surrey. Phone: 604-501-5566. www.surrey.ca/artgallery

Closed Mondays and holidays. Surrey Art Gallery will be closed April 18 through 21.

A part-time job in high school

4 April 2014

IS it a good idea for high school students to have a job?

I believe that it is definitely a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job. This is because it teaches them responsibility, organization and time management in their lives. These three assets can become well polished with a part-time job throughout high school.

A part-time job is a great way to be responsible in your life. Most adults nowadays fall into the stereotype thinking that all teenagers do is get into trouble with drugs and sex. However, that is just something that the media portrays about how a teenager lives their life through reality TV, radio and video games. But the average teen that has a part-time job is a lot more responsible in their life by not taking part in substance abuse. Being able to have a part-time job is also a great way to always have money to buy anything you want as a teenager.

At the same time the teenagers that do take part in bad activities is because of the common disease known as boredom. This can easily be cured if high school students devote their time to a job, volunteering, religious activities or sports because it teaches them to be responsible and to make the right decisions in life. In the end, it helps students realize that they have saved up money for further education, a car or even for personal use.

Organization is the second asset that I believe can be attained when juggling school and a part-time job. I can personally say that I have friends that need to commit five hours a day after school for up to three days a week because that’s what their job requires. These people are the ones that have never heard about the word procrastination because of how well they are able to organize themselves. A student from high school that has a part-time job is not only organized in their job, but they are also organized in their school-related activities.

It’s important that academics should come first in life for a high school student. However, at the same time being able to stay organized and stay on task is an asset that will make you a star in a crowd. I don’t personally have a part-time job but I do volunteer from time to time which takes up time as well. So being able to juggle volunteering and school is what I would call organization as well.

Last but not least, time management that goes hand-in-hand with organization is a major asset. Managing time is being able to finish homework, studying for a test, doing a project, going to work and having fun in high school, too. Some parents would argue that you can get a job later and just focus on school for now. However, the feeling of earning your own money is next to nothing in this world. Also, volunteering for someone and seeing the expression of gratitude on their face makes my day.

In conclusion, I consider that a part-time job during high school is an amazing idea and I have the utmost respect for youth that are able to stay responsible, be organized and manage their time.

BY HARNOOR GILL
Grade 10 student
Christ The King Catholic Secondary
Georgetown, Ontario

Measles outbreak been largely contained to eastern regions of Fraser Valley

4 April 2014

THE current measles outbreak has been largely contained to the eastern regions of the Fraser Valley and members of that community, thanks to the leadership of chief medical health officer, Dr. Paul Van Buynder, the team of dedicated health-care providers at Fraser Health Authority and the increased uptake of vaccination, the province announced on Monday.

“Dr. Van Buynder and Fraser Health have shown excellent guidance and management of this difficult situation,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “I applaud the professionalism and tireless efforts of the dedicated staff who have engaged in an open and respectful manner with the leaders, families and individuals in these affected communities. They inspire confidence in our public health system and demonstrate that by working together, we can all reduce the spread of these diseases.”

Since the outbreak was declared on March 8, Fraser Health has worked with schools, community groups, church groups, public health nurses and medical officers to investigate the outbreak and implement control measures such as setting up dedicated immunization clinics in public health and physician offices and urging people to get vaccinated.

This current measles outbreak in regions of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope) is now entering its fourth week and while there are now cumulatively an estimated 320 cases, the spread of the virus into other communities has been limited. The level of risk to British Columbians outside of these communities is currently considered to be low.

“The devoted team at Fraser Health have co-ordinated an effective approach to the challenges of this outbreak and their efforts and expertise have resulted in it being largely contained to these communities,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall. “This situation is a reminder that an outbreak like this one is avoidable with proper immunization. I encourage all British Columbians to get vaccinated as the best way to protect yourself against diseases like the measles.”

The measles outbreak is expected to continue for another two weeks as the second and third wave of the disease makes its way through the communities. Anyone who has symptoms or suspects they have contracted measles is encouraged to stay home until the symptoms are over.

Fraser Health will continue to update the public on the progress of the disease and B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, will provide additional updates as the need arises or as additional information becomes available.

New Canadian citizens in March almost double compared to a year ago

4 April 2014

ABOUT 33,700 people from 199 countries became Canadian citizens at citizenship ceremonies held across Canada in March 2014. This is almost twice as many compared to March 2013 when 17,089 people were granted citizenship across Canada.

Canada’s new citizens were welcomed at 312 citizenship ceremonies held across the country, from college campuses to Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices, to special ceremonies at railway stations and designated heritage sites.

These high numbers demonstrate that changes and improvements in effect over the past year have already made the system more efficient and resulted in a decreased backlog, helping more people realize their dream of becoming Canadian sooner. The government’s proposed changes in Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, will further reduce wait times by streamlining the decision-making process for citizenship. It is expected that these changes will bring the average processing time for citizenship applications down to under one year and that the current backlog will be reduced by more than 80 percent by 2015-2016.

* So far in 2014, Canada has welcomed more than 75,900 new citizens at 759 ceremonies across Canada. Comparatively, in the first three months of 2013, Canada welcomed 35,320 new Canadians.

* In 2013, 128,936 people were granted Canadian citizenship ¾an average of 10,745 each month.

* Since 2006, Canada has enjoyed the highest sustained levels of immigration in Canadian history at an average of 257,000 newcomers each year. Accordingly, the demand for citizenship has increased by 30 percent.

* Canada has the highest rate of naturalization in the world¾85 per cent of eligible permanent residents become citizens. Citizenship and Immigration Canada received 333,860 citizenship applications in 2013, the highest volume ever.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said: “By improving the efficiency of the citizenship program and launching the Blueprint for Citizenship Improvements, our government is working to ensure the timely processing of citizenship applications so that deserving applicants can become Canadians more quickly. The high number of new citizens who joined the Canadian family so far this year shows that our changes are working. Our government would like to welcome our newest citizens to the Canadian family.”

New Horgan endorsements: MLA Selina Robinson, former MLAs Joe Trasolini and Dawn Black and MP Fin Donnelly

4 April 2014

JOHN Horgan gained the support on Friday of three Tri-Cities heavyweights and another former B.C. NDP leader in his bid to lead the B.C. NDP.

Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, former Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Joe Trasolini, former interim B.C. NDP leader Dawn Black and New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody MP Fin Donnelly endorsed Horgan at an economy and affordability roundtable with Tri-Cities community leaders.

“We have to win in the interior and we have to win in the suburbs if we are going to form government,” said Horgan. “Selina, Joe, Dawn and Fin will be key to that effort and I’m so excited to have them join my team.”
Robinson, elected in 2013, is Opposition Critic for Local Government and Sports.

“John understands families want safe, affordable communities, with good services,” said Robinson. “He knows that B.C. Liberal rate hikes and service cuts are hurting communities like ours and he is the leader who can beat the B.C. Liberals in 2017.”

Trasolini is a former NDP MLA and four-term mayor of Port Moody. He will also lead an economic advisory committee for the Horgan campaign.

“John is committed to spurring an economy that works for everyone,” said Trasolini. “He gets that small business, industry, tourism and the arts all play key rolls, and he will ensure they have the support they need to provide good jobs throughout B.C.”

Dawn Black is the retired MLA for New Westminster and a former MP. She served as the B.C. NDP’s interim leader in 2011.

“The B.C. NDP must renew itself with a focus on economic growth and reducing inequality,” said Black. “I’m proud to support John because he will lead that renewal.”

Fin Donnelly, elected in 2009, is federal Deputy Critic for Fisheries and Oceans and for Infrastructure.

“I’m impressed by John’s emphasis on teamwork,” said Donnelly. ”He’s reaching out and bringing people together to tackle the challenges British Columbians face.”

No April Fool’s joke: B.C. Liberals making life even less affordable, says NDP

4 April 2014

strong>ONCE again, the B.C. Liberals are making life even less affordable for British Columbians – continuing with their ongoing litany of fee and fare hikes, hidden taxes and cancelled discounts.
Starting April 1, the following costs will increase:
* Hydro rates will begin their 28 per-cent climb starting with a nine-per-cent jump April 1. Over the next three years, this government’s hydro hikes will make life less affordable for B.C. families and hurt business to the tune of $2 billion. More than half of that will go into this government’s pocket to pad their budget.
* Ferry fares will increase again by four per cent. This fare hike is on top of another 3.5-per-cent increase ferry users faced in January. Fares have gone up by more than 100 per cent on some routes since the Liberals formed government in 2001. In the meantime, service is getting cut on ferry routes up and down the coast, meaning B.C. families will pay more and get less.

Also on April 1, the following discounts will be cancelled or cut:
* Ferry discounts for seniors will be cut in half. The callous decision by the B.C. Liberals shows the lengths they will go to in order to make British Columbians pay more and get less.
* The LiveSmart program for businesses ends on April 1, eliminating an incentive for businesses to make energy-wise choices, and removing any opportunity for relief from the fee hike on the same day the program ends.

Plus, the B.C. Liberals are hitting families in the pocketbook this year with these increases:
* Medical Service Premiums were increased on Jan. 1 for the fifth year in a row. And they will go up by another four per cent in Jan. 2015. At that point a B.C. family will pay $1,728 per year for the medical services tax. That’s double what they paid in 2001 when the Liberals formed government.
* ICBC basic coverage is expected to increase by between 3.4 and 6.4 per cent by the end of the year.
* Tuition will increase by two per cent, pushing post-secondary education even further out of reach for many families. Tuition has doubled since the B.C. Liberals formed government in 2001.

B.C. EVENTS

4 April 2014

OBITUARY

AMARJIT KAUR MANGAT, 54, wife of Sardar Dilbagh Singh Mangat, passed away on March 28. She was originally from Mangat village in Nawanshahr district of Punjab, India.

Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 6 at 12 p.m. at Five Rivers Funeral Home in Delta.

Bhog and Antim Ardaas will be held at 2 p.m. at Gurdwara Sukh Sagar in New Westminster.

Contact: 604-325-8874 or 604-338-4471.

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of SURINDER KAUR LITT in England. She was the wife of Sardar Manjit Singh Litt, former resident of England, now residing at 13822 Marine Drive, White Rock.

The family requests all to attend the Bhog ceremony for her at Gurdwara Sahib Brookside at 8365 140^th Street in Surrey at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6.

For more information, please call Manjit Singh Litt at 604-518-9098 or 604-535-9040.

B.C. EVENTS

(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)

Canada Cancer Society

Help us build our Daffodil Campaign in April in the City of Surrey and Abbotsford community. We are looking for volunteers to donate 2 to 4 hours on weekends throughout April. Please call 604-837-6837 to volunteer in Surrey, call 604-533-1816 to volunteer in Abbotsford.

Surrey Libraries: Filing Personal Tax Return

Surrey Libraries are offering free clinics for those eligible, at City Centre, Guildford and Strawberry Hill branches. A volunteer from DIVERSEcity, trained by the Canada Revenue Agency, will help prepare & electronically file (if eligible) your tax return. You must be a Surrey resident and your income falls within these guidelines: Single Person: $30,000. Single parent with child: $35,000. Each additional child: $ 2,500. Couples: $40,000. Investment income under: $ 1,000. You have a simple tax return (no self employment, no bankruptcy, no forms for deceased, no capital gains / losses and no rental income). The clinics operate on a first come, first serve basis. For details, visit the Libraries or www.surreylibraries.ca

Richmond Library: Free Income Tax Clinics

Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Family Christian Fellowship, is offering free Income Tax Clinic to help those with a low income file their income tax returns. The clinics take place on Saturdays: April 5, 12, 19, and 26 between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch located at 7700 Minoru Gate. If you’re a single person with a maximum income of $30,000, a couple with a maximum income of $40,000, or an adult with one child and a maximum income of $35,000, then you qualify for this free service. Sessions are 45 minutes per person and couples must sign up for one time slot each. To register, call 604-231-6413 or visit the Brighouse 2nd floor information desk. Bring all relevant documents such as T4 and T5 slips.

South Asian Seniors: Filing Income Tax Returns Free

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian seniors that during the tax filing period we can help you to file your income tax returns for the year 2013 free of cost from now to April 20 if you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 1. Single individual with annual income limit up to $30,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $40,000. 3. Adult with one child annual income up to $35,000, add the income limit by $2,500 for each dependent child. Interest income not over $1,000 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income and no partnership income, SIN card and photo identity will be required to prove the documents. If you are eligible then contact Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945.

Free Tax Clinic

Eligibility: Low income Permanent Residents who have been in Canada for 5 years or less. Locations: MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway; MOSAIC Vancouver, 2nd floor, 1720 Grant Street. Service dates: March and April. Appointments: Have your PR number ready and call required: 604 254 9626 (Vancouver) or 604 438 8214 (Burnaby).

Ugadi 2014 Sambaralu

Vancouver Area Telugu Association (VATA) invites all Telugu families and students to Ugadi Celebrations with your friends on Saturday, April 5 at Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 7845 Edmonds Street, Burnaby. Doors open at 5 p.m. Enjoy the cultural presentations, delicious food & wish the Telugu New Year brings happiness and success to our community. Come early to be eligible for ‘early bird’ draw.

Muslim Association of Canada Vancouver

Youth Vancouver would like to invite you to Sisters United’s biweekly girls Halaqa for girls in Grades 7 to 12 at Islamic Information Center, 3127 Kingsway (Main Floor), Vancouver, on Saturday, April 5, 5-7 p.m.

8th Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Sakura Days Japan Fair in partnership with the Japan Fair Association of Vancouver on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m.-5p.m., at VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street (37th & Oak), Vancouver. This fun two-day celebrates the cultural arts and age old traditions of Japan, allowing everyone to try their own hand at origami, calligraphy, ikebana and other Japanese arts and crafts demonstrations. Purchase advance tickets. Experience the special ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, guided Tree Talks and Walks to the cherry trees, and haiku readings. Experience Japan through performances including Japanese classical dance, taiko drumming, the Cherry Blossom Dance, soothing tones of shakuhachi (bamboo flute), martial arts performances, anime, the Kid’s Tent and more. Presented by Japan Fair Association of Vancouver (JFAV) and hosted by VanDusen Botanical Garden. For more info, visit www.vcbf.ca

South Asian Seniors: Bone Health & Managing Skills

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members as well as non-members to a presentation on Bone Health & Managing Skills by Amit Kumar, consultant occupational therapist, on April 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, 8321 140^th Street, Surrey. There will be a question-and-answer session after the presentation. Tea and light snacks will be served. Contact Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for further information.

Girl Empowered Leadership Workshops

Surrey Libraries has partnered with Plan in support of the Because I am a Girl campaign which is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of girls and women both locally and globally. The Strawberry Hill Library will be hosting free motivational workshops for girls ages 10-14 to help raise awareness of issues girls face and inspire them to create change of their own. Tuesdays, April 8 and 15 – 5-6:15 p.m. Snacks provided. Workshop Themes: * April 8: Because I am Socially Responsible: I Want to Make a Difference * April 15: Because I am Cooperative: I Will Work as a Team. For more information, contact Jaskirat Sahni atjaskiratsahni@gmail.com. Register at the Strawberry Hill Library or call 604-501-5838. http://www.surreylibraries.ca/5252.aspx

Surrey Libraries: Know Your Legal Rights

April 7-11 is Law week. To keep you informed of your legal rights, Surrey Libraries have partnered with People’s Law School to provide free information sessions. Get answers to any questions you may have. Registration required. * Consumer Law & Scams to Avoid: Tuesday, April 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Semiahmoo Library. Register at 604-592-6908. Wednesday, April 9, 7-8:30 p.m. Guildford Library. Register at 604-598-7366. * Immigration Law: Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. City Centre Library. Register at 604-598-7427. * Landlord & Tenant Rights: Tuesday, April 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Guildford Library. Register at 604-598-7366. * Power of Attorney: Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. Ocean Park Library. Register at 604-502-6449. * Wills & Estates: Monday, April 7, 7-8:30 p.m. City Centre Library. Register at 604-598-7427. Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. Fleetwood Library. Register at 604-598-7346. www.surreylibraries.ca

MOSAIC’s 3rd Annual Job Fair

April 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Center, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. A record 50 employers participating. Includes organizations in the areas of business, trades, finance, hi-tech, retail, foodservice, hospitality and more – even the police and the City of Vancouver will be recruiting. Most of the organizations indicated they have multiple positions to fill and all are hoping to meet some great candidates. In attendance for the first time will also be the skills and trades sector, with 16 organizations looking to fill positions ranging from welders and glaziers to engineers and estimators. Job postings call for apprentices and journeymen through to supervisors, managers and directors. The Job Fair is open to all job seekers and admission is free.

UFV: Research Lecture Series

At the University of the Fraser Valley on Wednesday, April 9 at 5 p.m. – at Abbotsford Campus Lecture / Theatre Room B101 – featuring a talk by Dr. Amandeep Sandhu, BC Regional Innovation Chair in Canada-India Business and Economic Development at UFV. Dr. Sandhu will be discussing How the Globalization of Service Jobs Will Determine Your Career and Life through the ‘now rising practices of outsourcing white collar jobs.’ This talk is free, all community members are invited to attend and refreshments will follow the lecture and discussion. There will also be an opportunity to networking with businesses and business organizations from the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple

From now until April 9: 6:30 p.m. – Chaitri Navaratri, Gudi Padva. 467 E 11th Avenue Vancouver. Phone: 604-874-0175. shreemahalakshmi@gmail.com

Social Media for Job Searching

Are you unemployed? Learn how to use social media to help you find the job you are looking for. Surrey Libraries & Back in Motion are offering a free workshop on Using Social Media for Job Searching at the Newton Library on Friday, April 11, 10 .am.-12 p.m. Basic knowledge of computers required. Register at 604-598-7406. Surrey Libraries also offer free Career / Job Search Workshops and Resume Clinics throughout the year to help you access the hidden job market. Visit the libraries or www.surreylibraries.ca for details.

Khalsa Diwan Society: Vaisakhi Day Celebration

Saturday, April 12: The timeline: * 7-9 a.m. – Kirtan * 9-9:30 a.m. – Reception for dignitaries * 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Speeches * 10:45 a.m. – Ardas. * Parade departs from Ross Street Gurdwara Sahib at 11 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m.

Canadian Cancer Society Fundraiser

Spring cleaning for your mind, body & soul: An exciting interactive event, supporting small local businesses, community organizations, groups and clubs that promote health and wellness for all ages. Up to 35 exhibitors, eight demos, children’s activity zone and live Spring Shave from 3-4 p.m. Everyone welcome. Date: Sunday, April 13. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Venue: River Market at Westminster Quay. Free admission. * Demos & activities for all ages * Gift bags for first 100 families. * Spring Shave & Raffle with all proceeds donated to Canadian Cancer Society.

Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar: Vaisakhi Celebration

Saturday, April 19: Parade Route: The Vaisakhi Parade is scheduled to begin at about 9:30 a.m. at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, located at 12885-85 Avenue. It will conclude there at about 4 p.m. Main Stage Timeline: * 11-11:45 a.m.: Traditional Sikh hymn singers * 11:45 .am.-12:45 p.m.: Ceremony honoring community volunteers * 12:45-1:30 p.m.: Speaker series.

For more information about the event including the parade route visit: www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca.

Annual Plant, Bake and Craft Sale

Plants in Real Time: Check out the Reality of the BC Fuchsia and Begonia Society, at the VanDusen Botanical Garden Floral Hall, 37th Ave and Oak Street, Vancouver. Saturday April 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Face painting for kids of all ages. China painters. Unique vendor items. Prize draws. Home baking. Refreshments. Great variety of plants. Some hardy fuchsias. Vendor tables available: call Sylvia and Derek at 604-277-2905. For information call Sandy & Ruth at 778-881-0175 Everyone welcome. Wheel chair accessible.

South Asian Women’s Networking Group

BYOBF Network 2-Year Celebration at Ginger 62, 1219 Granville Street, Vancouver on Thursday, April 24, 8-10 p.m. Tickets: $20 Early-bird, $25 Regular. Ticket includes complimentary canapes and a networking reception. For more information: http://byobfnetwork.com. The BYOBF Network is Metro Vancouver’s first South Asian women’s networking group that provides the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professional women who also share and celebrate each other’s success.

Lyme Disease Awareness Seminar

Free Lyme Disease Awareness Seminar on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Semiahmoo House, 15306 24^th Avenue, Surrey. Speakers: Dr. Ernie Murakami and Gwen Barlee. Symptoms, treatment and prevention of this multi-system dysfunction epidemic.

Earth Day Pilgrimage to Burns Bog

On April 27. The annual pilgrimage engages several ethnic and religious people in a spiritual journey to connect with the environment and to celebrate the sacred ground of Burns Bog – the largest dome-peat-bog on the west coast of North America and the largest wilderness area in the urban setting of North America also. It is a home of hundreds of species of plants and animals. Join us in protecting it. All are welcome. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the entrance to the Delta Nature Reserve (beside Planet Ice Delta) with a gathering followed by pilgrimage. For further information, call Dara at 604-572-0373, Rob Dainow at 604-523-0123 or Acharya Dwivedi at 604-507-3099.

Vancouver Satsang Cultural Society

2014 South Asian Heritage Musical Celebration. Come and celebrate the struggle and successes of Indians from Canada, Guyana, Trinidad, Surinam, Mauritius and Fiji on Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at 2215 Pender Street East in Vancouver. Free admission. Dinner included. Contact Chamaylee at 604-945-9510 for complementary tickets.

Shakti Dance

Presents “Five Faces’ – a montage of five unique Bharata Natyam dance performances by Anusha Fernando and Sujit Vaidya. Written and narrated by Anusha Fernando.Visual art by Sue Leibik. On Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver. Tickets: $20 / $15 for children, seniors and arts workers. Tickets available at Banyen Books (604) 737-8858 and Gaia’s Fair Trade (604) 886-7117. For information, contact shaktidance@shaw.ca or (604) 733-3439.

Mother’s Day Celebrations: Charitable Society

Fun filled celebrations with live entertainment during Mother’s Day weekend: Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at Riverside Banquet Hall, 14500 River Road, Richmond. Tickets: Adults: $25. Tables of 10: $225. Children under 12: $10. Gujarati style meal. Cash Bar. All net proceeds to serve homeless in Vancouver and less fortunate in India and Uganda. For more info, contact Vasant Lakhani at (H) (604) 987-1925.vasantlakhani@gmail.com. www.indoafricacharity.com. www.vasantlakhani.com

Quran Memorization Competition

Muslim Association of Canada is holding the 12^th Annual BC Quran Memorization Competition: * Preliminaries: Saturday, May 17 * Finals: Saturday, May 24. At MAC Masjid & Community Centre at 2122 Kingsway, Vancouver. The competition is open to participants of all ages, males and females, from all parts of the province. Participants may register for both memorization and recitation. Sponsors needed for the Quran Competition Awards – call 604-434-7526 or email: mac.centre.vancouver@gmail.com. Registration deadline: May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Information and registration: quran.islamicinfocenter.org.

7th Uganda Medical Mission

Indo-Africa Charitable Society (Canada). Venue: Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited – Lugazi: medical, dental & eye camp from August 4-15 to provide primary examinations and treatments to needy Ugandans. Donation: US$650 (non-refundable) or equivalent in other currencies per person. Register by May 31 by contacting Vasant Lakhaniv(H) (604) 987-1925, vasantlakhani@gmail.com, www.indoafricacharity.com,www.vasantlakhani.com. All participants arrive by August 3 committed fully till the end of the mission.

Canada India Education Council

Presents “The Business of Education” dinner event at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, on Friday, June 6, 5-9 p.m. Learn about BC’s new education quality assurance standards (EQA) and examine the confluence of ‘business’ with education. How do we measure ‘ROI’? BC is committed to increasing international students by 50% by 2016. Interesting in attending / sponsoring? To view the agenda / speaker profiles, visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/bc/

World Twenty20: India set up a final date with Sri Lanka

4 April 2014

Mirpur (Bangladesh) (IANS): Virat Kohli starred with a brilliant unbeaten 72 as India pulled off a comprehensive six-wicket win over South Africa to make their second

finals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here Friday.

India, winners in 2007, will be facing neighbours Sri Lanka in Sunday’s title-clash which will be a repeat of the 2011 50-overs World Cup final. If they win, India will be the only team to hold the World Cup, Champions Tophy and the World T20 title at the same time.

Opting to bat first, South Africa did well to post a challenging total of 172 for four in 20 overs with skipper Faf du Plesis scoring a quick-fire 41-ball 58 while Jean Paul Duminy made an unbeaten 45 off 40 balls.

India made a mockery of what looked like a stiff target and cruised to 176 for four with five balls to spare as Kohli struck a blistering 44-ball unbeaten 72. Ajinkya Rahane (32), Rohit Sharma (24), Suresh Raina (21) and Yuvraj Singh (18) also made valuable contributions.

But it was Kohli’s knock that made the difference and the young batsman single-handedly took away the match from South Africa with his aggressive knock that was studded with five fours and two sixes.

South Africa missed an extra spinner badly as leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the most economical of the bowlers giving away 30 runs from four overs and picked up the wicket of Yuvraj. The pacers including world’s best fast bowler Dale Steyn proved too costly for the Proteas.

Earlier in the day, opting to bat first, South Africa riding on good innings from Du Plessis and Duminy got what looked like a winning score.

Though Indian bowlers struck twice inside the first six overs to reduce South Africa to 44 for two, Du Plessis and Duminy joined forces and plundered the Indian attack with their 71-run stand for the third wicket.

India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/33) struck in the first over to get rid of opening batsman Quinton de Kock (6) caught behind by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Umpire Ian Gould had no doubts in his mind before raising his finger but De Kock looked surprised. TV replays, however, confirmed a sound as the ball passed by the bat.

Ashwin struck next in the sixth over to get rid of Hashim Amla (22), who had his off-stumps shattered with a carrom ball. The off-spinner was the pick of the Indian bowlers giving away 22 runs from four overs and also picked up Du Plessis and the dangerous AB de Villiers (10).