Symbol Of Indo-Canadians’ New Home In Canada

                    Article & Photo by Sunil Rao from www.southasianfocus.com

The new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple was officially opened last weekend. The $40 million temple, with an exterior built from Turkish limestone and Indian sandstone, and an interior carved out of Italian marble, is among the biggest temples in North America. Dubbed an architectural wonder, the edifice is constructed entirely from interlacing stone elements without any nails or wood to hold it together. A team of 100 sculptors and artisans specially flown in from India worked on it for more than a year to carve out the uniquely Indian motifs adorning its exterior and interior.  

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Many Americans Ambivalent about Immigration
By Henok Fente, Washington, 26 July 2007
http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2007-07-26-voa24.cfm?renderforprint=1


Africans face a number of challenges in their efforts to attain legal status as immigrants in the United States. In this 4th of a five part series, VOA English to Africa's Henok Fente reports on how the United States views immigration both now and in the past.

Historically, the United States has attracted immigrants from every corner of the world. In fact, immigrants form part of the fabric of American society. Douglas Rivlin of the National Immigration Forum, a think-tank based in Washington, DC, says, "Immigration is one of the things that makes the United States, the United States. People came from all over the world, and we have put together what we think is a very good country. Even uneducated people, like my great grandfather, who came from Russia to come to the United States and make a life for themselves, whether they had formal education or not. We need to preserve that unique quality of the United States that it matters more what you can contribute than where you are from."
He says even though the United States is a nation of immigrants, there has been resistance to newcomers throughout its history: "Political cartoons in the big era of immigration of 120 years ago [depicted people] really hating the Irish and really hating the Italians or really hating the Jews, the Slavs or whatever group was coming in at the current time. America has always had this love and hate relationship and the skepticism about the current wave of immigrants. This love/hate relationship was reflected in the immigration debate in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers were divided regardless of party lines over the bill, which eventually failed to gain enough support."

Rivlin cites informal statistics supporting his comments: "Without having exact numbers in front of me, it was about two thirds of the Democrats and about one-third of the Republicans who voted for it moving forward in the legislative process, and in the end that wasn't enough. There are some people who feel that there is too much immigration going on in the United States [and they would] really like to see the numbers reduced."

"Numbers USA" is one of the leading lobbying groups urging Congress to reduce the number of immigrants. The group did not respond to our repeated requests for its views, but on its official website it says it stands opposed to economic injustice and favors a "reduction in immigration numbers that are now so high as to harm the most vulnerable American workers and their families."

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Canada-India Education Potential Underlined
South Asian Focus http://www.southasianfocus.ca/business
Tuesday July 24 2007
By SUNIL RAO, Staff Writer

Considerable scope exists for two-way Canada-India exchanges in the field of education, participants at a conference organized by Canada-India Business Council heard last week.

"India today has 10 million students in colleges, and its institutions of higher learning led by the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) are today translating into strong economic of 9.5 and 10 per cent," said R.L. Narayan, High Commissioner of India. "While economic liberalization has certainly been an enabling factor, it is India's initial investment in education that is today leading the country on the strong growth path."

He said both India and Canada have considerable upside potential. Among the bottlenecks, he noted Canada has not branded itself strong enough to be able to tap adequately into the 120,000 Indian students who annually seek foreign education.

Husain Neemuchwala, chair of C-IBC's Education Committee, did Dr. Balbir Sahni of Concordia University the honour of presenting him with a brick, for laying the foundation of a strong Canada-India education initiative.

The event, organized by Kam Rathee, president and executive director, C-IBC, attracted more than 100 delegates from across Canada and overseas.

Tuesday July 24 2007

NEW YORK--Hindu priest Rajan Zed's historical opening prayer in the US Senate and the protests in the house have created crackling interest on the Internet, with some describing the prayer as "an insult to God" and others asking the Indian American chaplain to forgive the protesters.

The prayer held on July 12 has also resulted in hundreds of protest calls to the office of the senate chaplain and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Ont. Citizenship Minister Quits In Wake Of Auditor's Report
Friday, July 27, 2007 | 8:51 AM ET CBC News

Ontario's minister of citizenship and immigration quit Thursday after an auditor general's report slammed the government for doling out $32 million in year-end grants to ethnic groups, without any accountability.
In his report, Auditor General Jim McCarter says the money was rushed out the door in a way that was "not open, transparent, or accountable."
He added, however, that there was no evidence the minister, Mike Colle, handed out the funds to ethnic groups because of Liberal ties, as opposition parties had accused.
McCarter said the grant process had no formal application procedure.
"Decisions were based on conversations, not applications," McCarter said, adding that many organizations said they weren't even aware how the minister knew they needed the money.
"More could have been done and quite frankly, more should have been done," he said.
Colle said he was under "time constraints," was personally familiar with the organizations and had "to get the money out the door quickly," McCarter said.
In one case, the Ontario Cricket Association requested $150,000, but received $1 million, McCarter's report said.
"You had people literally showing up wanting a small bucket of money and instead walked away with a wheelbarrow full of money," said Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory.
Both opposition parties called on the premier to bear responsibility for the scandal.
"Dalton McGuinty can't fob off responsibility for this scandal onto one disgraced cabinet minister. The issue is not Mike Colle's actions," New Democrat Leader Howard Hampton said in a news release.

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Soccer Scores at Viva Goa
By Francis Carvalho

A total of 22 teams (17 men and 5 women) consisting of 264 players participated in the 10th Anniversary inter-village Viva Goa soccer tournament.

Mens teams were divided into 3 groups of 4 teams and one group of 5 teams Women had a single group of 5 teams.

In the men’s final Old Goa who had in their ranks former ace India striker, Roy Barretto dethroned holders Bogmalo S.C. winning by a margin of 4 goals to 1.

Roy Barretto of Old Goa was awarded the tournament MVP and the Golden Boot for scoring the highest number of goals (7) The Senior MVP (over age 30) went to Gavin Francis of Parra SC and the Jr.MVP (under 19) to Bradley Pereira of Vagator SC.

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Safeguard Goan identity: Dr Colaco
BY HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MORMUGAO, JULY 25

Dr Francis Colaco has urged the Goan citizens to work and concentrate their energies in safeguarding Goan identity.

He was addressing the audience at a symposium on “How to Protect The Goan Identity” held at Leonora’s, Verna on Sunday.

Referring to the National Symposium held at International Centre in 2001, Dr Colaco said that there was a mention of de-culturalsition about Goa. He said that first the Portuguese tried to ignore the Goan identity and then the local Government tried to integrate Goa into Maharashtra and totally wipe out the identity.

Dr Peter Rolando D’Souza, a political scientist said that one should try and answer as to why are we concerned about our identity and do a soul search as to why we are so agitated about Goan identity.

Dr D’Souza added that identity is important to people as it gives one a sense of home, sense of belonging in an alien world, which is crucial to all. It also gives a sense of security as well as a sense of emotional and psychological strength, he added.

He said that identity enables one to establish relationship with others and this is a fundamental relationship of human society and our identity is a result of continuous interaction and exchanges.

Noted journalist Sandesh Prabhudesai said that due to influx there is a pressure on land, infrastructure and cultural divide is on rise. He called for a clear survey and change in mindset of the people.

He added that the Goan youth are running after government jobs rather than taking up other industrial-related jobs and there is a vaccum in the industrial jobs as the same are being filled by outsiders which has caused a major migrant flow.

Most Goans have forgotten their traditional occupation and are not ready to identify new opportunities, the same which are being taken up by outsiders, which has led to great misunderstanding, he added.

Helping Parkinson's Patients Walk

Dr. Quincy Almeida, director of the Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre in Waterloo, Ontario, helped the former Olympic track coach, Brent McFarlane, 49, to train his brain to better control his movements. The former Olympic track coach, Brent remembers a time when he could sprint 200-metres in 22.3 seconds.
 

Affected with Parkinson's Disease, he has moments when he simply cannot move. The Waterloo Centre has a stellar reputation and is considered one of the few centers of its kind worldwide. Scientists from Laurier, Waterloo, McMaster and Western Ontario universities are integrating basic research with rehabilitation to come up with specialized programs that help reverse some of the symptoms of movement disorders such as Parkinson's. Mr. McFarlane, used to be more than independent, coaching track athletes in 4 Olympic Games, including gold medal sprinter, Donovan Bailey. He said, he first noticed signs that something was wrong nearly 15 years ago. Since then the symptoms have gradually worsened: tremors, slurred speech, balance problems, shorter than normal gait, stiffness of limbs and freezing.

A Search For An Identity
Catholic Goans – How They Fit In A Predominantly Hindu India.
Al Mathias Review of Research Paper by Giselle Dias

"R U Goan?” Well, read the article written by a young Goan, Giselle Dias, who is studying Anthropology at the University of Toronto and who has researched the subject as part of her academic course, but more importantly, as part of her deep, personal desire to discover her roots, the history and heritage of her culture and civilization, religion, caste, colonialism and their
combined influences on the Goan of today - at home and abroad."

Click here – to download Giselle Dias’ paper

Fr John Fernandes Receives International Haag Prize 2007 in Switzerland
Special report from Barbara Roeber, Berlin
July 25, 2007
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/ 

Herbert-Haag Prize 2007 was awarded in Lucerne, Switzerland recently first time to an Indian, Fr John Fernandes, along with a Swiss Theologian, Xaver Pfister and the Swiss Organization “Bethlehem Mission Immensee”. The award ceremony held in Hotel “Schweizerhof” was attended by about 300 people.

Fr John Fernandes needs no introduction as the professor and head of Chair in Christian Studies at the Mangalore University, Mangalore.
As reported earlier (daijiworld.com on June 4), the Herbert Haag-Foundation ‘for Freedom in the Church’ awards recognition prizes to persons and institutions who exposed themselves through free expression of opinion or courageous actions within Christianity.

Hans Küng, an internationally renowned theologian, former colleague of Pope Benedict XVI and author of “Declaration toward a Global Ethic”, who is also the president of the Haag-Foundation, in his opening address, analyzing the present situation of the world and Catholic Church, said: “The renewal of the Church should start from the grass-oots and be carried forward by individuals, as it often happened throughout history. The recipients of the Award are recognized by the Foundation as such people today.”

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Bahrain Resident Named Goan Man Of Year
By ALISTAIR BAPTISTA
Published: 28th July 2007
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=188972&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30130

BAHRAIN resident Gabriel Crasto has received the Man of the Year 2006 Award from the Goan Review Art Foundation. The foundation, a cultural and social body based in Mumbai, promotes the Konkani language. This is the first time it has bestowed the award on a Goan based outside India. Mr Crasto, a long-time Bahrain resident, was recognised for his active participation in various cultural programmes and social services linked to the country's Goan community.

A trophy, cash award and certificate were presented to him at a ceremony held in Margao, Goa, as part of the glamorous Gulab Awards for Konkani artistes and other noted personalities from the Goan community. The Young Goans Club also honoured him at a membership night event held at the Atlas Hotel in Manama.

The Jalal Travel Agency manager, who has lived in Bahrain for 25 years, is an active member of the Konkan Singers and served in different capacities on the club's managing committee.
He is currently Bahrain Goans Football League chairman and a contributor to Konkani publications in Goa and Mumbai.

Mr Crasto also received the 1982 Konkani Bhasha Mandal award for his Konkani play, or tiatr, Kalina, that highlighted the ill-effects of dowry. The play also won prizes from local Konkani groups including the Riffa Goans and New Stars Productions.

"This award is dedicated to my friends in Bahrain who have always supported and accommodated me in organising social, cultural and charitable activities among the Konkani speaking community of Bahrain," he told the GDN, from Goa, where he is on holiday.

Mr Crasto also urged community groups and organisations to recognise Young Goans Club president Francis Correia, who helped provide an avenue for his community work. "Mr Correia is the topmost personality of Goans on the island, and it's time for the organisations concerned like the NRI Goa Facilitation Centre to recognise his services and reward him accordingly," he said.

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Crowning Glory For Indian Beauty
By BEGENA GEORGE- Gulf Daily News
Published: 28th July 2007

Indian Annalise D'Souza was crowned July Rose at the Baan Saeeng Thai Auditorium, Adliya. The first runner-up was Filipina Cristina Bungay while the second runner-up position went to Bahraini Manal Waheed Abdulla. More than 300 people attended the event on Thursday in which 19 women vied for the title. Contestants were given personality development classes, including hair and makeup, fashion sense, catwalk and photo and video shoot training by event organiser Albert Gayo.

Now in its 15th year, the show also included a hair show, which showcased the latest hairstyles and colours by One Stop Beauty Shop and eight new models were introduced for this. Contestants went through four rounds including casual wear, traditional outfits, gowns and the talent show.

Ms Abdulla won best gown as well as the One Stop Beauty Shop award. Meanwhile, Ms Bungay was awarded for best in traditional wear and Ms D'Souza for casual wear as well as best talent for playing the piano and singing at the same time. This year's new titles include the Nazih Friendship Award won by Indian Lubna Bilal and the Al Abraaj People's Choice Award won by Filipina Luzviminda Borja, in addition to all previous ones.

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Anjan's tale of shrinking Anglo-Indian community
Frederick Noronha (IANS), Press Trust Of India
Film Review
Panaji-

Click to view  More deatails

First Published: 00:00 IST(3/1/2007)

India's shrinking Anglo-Indian community and its members' changing lifestyles in Kolkata are the subject of a film shot over the past year that has just made it for its premier at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Bow Barracks Forever, a 118-minute English-language film is the "story of survival of people in Kolkata and particularly of the Anglo-Indian community", says director Anjan Dutt.
Dutt, who combines roles of actor, singer, musician, songwriter and filmmaker, has set his film in a century-old building that once served as the barracks for the US army.
When it left after World War II, the building was handed over to people connected with the Army, primarily Anglo-Indians as the mixed offspring of British and Indian stock are referred to in this part of the world.
"This was a community that gave Kolkata its police officers, its musicians and its hockey players. Over time, the place has disintegrated and it's now seen as a dangerous area. It's half Chinese, very much Goan and a very strange place," says Dutt.
Dutt says he was motivated by architect Manish Chakrabarty, who was trying to convert Kolkata's old buildings into heritage structures, so that they could not be demolished for new skyscrapers that spell big money in a bustling city.

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Mass & Social with Bishop Max J, Rodrigues of Hyderabad

Rev.Fr Michael D’Cruz invites you to a Mass & Social with Bishop Max J, Rodrigues of Hyderabad on Sunday August 12th At India Grill & Banquet Hall on Woodbine & 14th Avenue .

Mass: 11.00am sharp
Followed by lunch & social cum dance
Live band in attendance - F O C U S
Cash bar
Tickets: $25.00 per person
For ticket and table reservation please contact:
Vicki D'Souza - 416 - 497 - 5111
Hubert Pereira - 905 - 479 - 1136
Pompie Gois - 905 - 850 - 5529

GLOBAL GOAN CHILDREN ART COMPETITION 2007

Friends of Goa and Global Goan Associations, in partnership with Gallery Attic, Goa, India, announce the `Global Goan Children Art Competition 2007' to celebrate World Goa Day commemorated on August 20 worldwide.

The Art competition is a first-of-its-kind art event which will be held simultaneously in the UK, USA, Canada,
Australia, Africa, Macau, Portugal, Brazil, Pakistan and India in an effort to assimilate and create awareness for young global Goans towards environment and cultural preservation of Goa. The art competitions will be held and coordinated in each country by Goan Associations on the theme: Environment and Culture Preservation of Goa.

Competition will be judged in 7-14 years category in mixed media formats. Three winners will then be decided by an eminent panel of judges, while the final exhibition of winning entries of all participating countries will be held at Casa de Goa, Lisbon. Last date for submission of entries will be August 30.

For more information please click here

TEGSA USED EYEGLASS PROJECT

The overwhelming response of members, family and friends to our appeal has been very encouraging. The enthusiasm of the members who are endeavouring to solicit their friends and neighbours is gratifying to say the least.

TEGSA hopes to achieve its target of 1,000 pieces. If you can help……it will make the difference!

Please give your donation to any member of the Executive or bring it to our Shrimp Curry & Rice Nite On Friday, September 7.

“ TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN ”

Date

Event

Details

Shrimp Curry Nite
Live Entertainment
MUSIC – SONG – DANCE
Cost: $10.00 (Members)
$12.00 (Guests)
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Dancing starts at 7:30 p.m.
To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

Your association is undertaking a special project of collecting used Eye Glasses which will in turn be sent to the third world countries, through the Lions Club. Please bring your “discards” to this event.
Leo Braganza will co-ordinate this project

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Games Nite
Bridge – Scrabble – Rummy – Carrom
Co-ordinators to form organized groups for various games required.
Cost: $6.00 (Members)
$8.00 (Guests)
A Snack plate will be served
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

LADAINHA
Commander Park Hall

Click for Flyer

TEGSA INVITES YOU TO
ATLANTIC CITY 3DAYS/2NIGHTS
 

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Surprise Performance
To be announced

Mass for the Deceased Members and their Families.

on November 2nd, 2007 - 6:30 pm sharp at
Commander Park Hall, Scarborough

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Click for Flyer

Whist Drive
A Snack plate will be served
Cost: $6.00 (Members)
$8.00 (Guests)
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

Yuletide Festivities – Choral Group in Attendance
Live Music – X’mas Bazaar
Authentic Goan Food and Sweets
Cost: $10.00 (Members)
$12.00 (Guests)
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Your Executive invites you to do yet another good deed for the less fortunate. Please donate at least one food can of your choice, which will collectively be donated to the FOOD BANK, during the festive season.

Christmas Dance
St. Clement of Ohrid Banquet Hall
76 Overlea Boulevard
Cost: $40.00 (Members)
$45.00 (Guests)
Cocktails and Appertizers at 6:30 p.m.
Sit-down dinner at 7:30 p.m.

To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters.. S.T.R.
My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously.. Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

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