IAM - Folklorama Magazine 2008 - Indian Association of Manitoba

The India Association of Manitoba
presents
IndIa PavIlIon
at
2008
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Editorial
It is my privilege to edit this special souvenir prepared by The India Association of Manitoba
for the India Pavilion of Folklorama 2008. Congratulations to the India Association of Manitoba
for taking this bold step of preparing a quality souvenir for the first time in the history of India
Association since it started taking part in Folklorama.
Along with participation of the India Pavilion in this year’s Folklorama, this souvenir
booklet is best seen as an attempt to provide a panorama to ancient and modern India
depicting culture, traditions, and its philosophy. On our part it is an attempt as capturing
on a canvas the entire range of India’s diversity is creative but a daunting challenge.
Representation is never an easy affair. The India Association of Manitoba has been serving
Indian community for the past 43 years in bringing together the persons of Indian origin and
promoting Indian values of art, peace, understanding and trends of harmonious coexistence.
It also seeks to reach out to other segments of the Canadian society and informing of the
same. Learning from each other and contributing to rich fabric of Canada is a noble goal.
I have vivid nostalgic memory of the first Folklorama hosted in 1970. We, along with the
International Centre, were all excited and gave our full cooperation for the success of these
activities. Folklorama was held to commemorate the 100th birthday of the Province of Manitoba.
The Folklorama Festival was planned as a one-time event with the participation of 21 pavilions
of different ethnic groups to celebrate the first century of the Manitoba government.
The festivity of Folklorama was so successful that the Folk Arts Council decided to continue this
event for the coming years. The media gave very much encouragement and both the Provincial
Government and the City of Winnipeg gave their enthusiastic blessings.
Folklorama has become a status symbol of proud ethnic culture. It is so popular that even some
organizations and the tourist industry in the South of Canadian border plan to bring groups of
people by bus loads to enjoy this remarkable festival denoting ethnic harmony.
Folklorama boosts ethnic morale in the community and exposes true understanding of ethnic
culture and tasting of delicious ethnic foods. This yearly entertainment program supplements
efforts of our City and the Provincial government to bring racial peace amongst the residents.
Folklorama displays the true multicultural spirit and is the most welcomed festival of the City
of Winnipeg.
The India Pavilion of Folklorama 2008 welcomes all the visitors and wishes them an enjoyable
time. I am sure the Indian cuisine and delicacies provided at the pavilion will satisfy your taste
buds and relish your palate. We appreciate and thank you for your visit and participation.
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Message from President
On behalf of the Board of Directors of India Association, members of
the association and the larger Indo-Canadian community of Manitoba,
I welcome you to this year’s India Pavilion.
Established in 1965, the India Association of Manitoba is the longest
serving organization within the Indo-Canadian community. Its goals
are to preserve and promote awareness about India and its people.
India is among the oldest existing civilizations in the world with a rich
tradition of culture and history. It is a country marked by diversity.
India Association of Manitoba also seeks to promote dialogue and
interaction between the Indo-Canadian community and the mainstream Canadian society.
Starting this year the association has aggressively and proactively initiated this out-reach
initiative. Readers will note the article in this booklet on “Rang Birangi Dinner” where National
Chief Phil Fontaine was invited as Chief Guest.
We greatly appreciate the weekly “Indo Canadian Page” initiative by Winnipeg Sun. Beginning
in early 2008 this paper has provided the Indo-Canadian community to publish a weekly
column on happenings within the community and, other issues that may be of benefit to
larger community of Manitoba. We acknowledge and recognize this highly proactive initiative by
printing in this souvenir booklet pertinent articles that help provide a good window to the Indo-
Canadian community and, all points India that is fast emerging as global economic player.
In closing, I would like to thank our new Board of Directors. It is a privilege to be associated
with a group of people that is committed and dedicated to taking our Association to the next
level. Together, we are working to ensure that India Association of Manitoba remains relevant by
meeting the needs of our membership and the larger Indo-Canadian community.
The work has only begun.
Adarsh Bahri
President
The India Association of Manitoba
(founded 1965)
P.O. Box 1794, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R1

Message from Pavilion Coordinator
On behalf of the sponsors, participants and volunteers and, members of
the Indo-Canadian thank you for taking the time to visit India Pavilion.
We are honored by your consideration and patronage.
We have sought to build upon past efforts and our team acknowledges
those who have contributed much. This year as well we focus on
entertainment and food. Our sincere effort is to provide you with
excellence and quality so that at the end of the visit you leave with a
memorable experience.
Coordinating and organizing a pavilion is a major undertaking. One person cannot undertake
and accomplish this activity. Team effort and teamwork are essential requirements. It has been
a privilege to work with a highly committed and dedicated group of people who have made this
happen. Each person and committee understood their roles and responsibilities and went out of
their way to put that “extra effort and touch”. Remember, this is all done voluntarily. The spirit
during this time has been “we are having fun while doing the needed work”.
Special appreciation and thanks to the Radisson Hotel, located in downtown Winnipeg. This
hotel was very generous in extending assistance and support to India Pavilion. Thank you.
Thank you so much!
It is my hope and that of all the volunteers, that our team-effort, teamwork and “having fun
while working” are reflected in India Pavilion’s offerings at Folklorama 2008.
My Sincere thanks to the Publication Committe of this magazine namely Mr. Anupam Sharma,
Mr. Adarsh Bahri and Mr. Bhadresh Bhatt.
Again, my sincere thank you to all who worked with commitment and diligence. It remains to
you to let us know the extent to which our efforts have been successful.
Dost Mughal
Coordinator / India Pavilion
IndIa PavIlIon

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The Indo-Canadian Community in Manitoba
Submitted by Anupam Sharma.
The Indo-Canadian/South Asian community consists of persons who are either from India or
trace their roots to the Indian sub-continent. The community has grown steadily in numbers,
strengthening its roots along with contribution and participation to the fabric of Manitoba’s vibrant
society.
In 1975, the entire South Asian community was estimated at approximately 3000 persons. Over
the years, 2001 Census reports for Manitoba this total grew to 14,660 of which 13,425 persons
made home in Winnipeg. This number is greater still with inclusion of persons from the West
Indies and the Caribbean. Since 2001, increased rate of international migration to Manitoba
assures further addition to the numbers.
As with everything else, communities too go through phases of growth. Well into the 1990s,
it is offered that members of the community were more focused on tending to the family and
education of the children- the future generation.
Having assured this foundation, members belonging to the various streams –Hindu, Sikh and
Muslim- have been engaged in not only consolidation of the community but also making a
meaningful contribution to the larger mainstream society in Manitoba and elsewhere across
Canada. The new temple, the mosque and the assorted gurdwaras are important additions to
ensure the religious and social fabric. Recently, the India Association of Manitoba along with three
additional community organizations has joined hands to purchase the Indo-Canadian Cultural
Center of Manitoba, located on St. Mary’s Road.
Of even more significance is the contribution to the public education and debate in enhancing
understanding of Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. Of note are the television programs –Diya, Islam
101 and Sikh Virsa- initiated under auspices of Omni television and the visionary leadership of
Mr. S. G. P. Jafry. This is a grassroots and voluntary undertaking that has involved participation
of approximately 300 people. Dr. Asad U. Khan through his frequent interventions in the printmedia
continues to make valuable contribution to enhance our understanding of Islamic religion
and outlook. Other initiatives among others involve contributing to the envisioned Museum of
Human Rights and funding-raising efforts at the Victoria Hospital.
Relevant to participation and contribution to the larger mainstream society, eminent personalities
from the community continue with their work in all fields. In the medical field, one can among
others make obvious reference to Dr. Niranjan and Dr. Sony Dhalla, Dr S.K. Bhattacharya and Dr.
Pawan Singhal. In the business field, Dr. Raj Pandey, Ashok Dilawari and, of course the Mondetta
Group come to mind. In the service industry, General Tours and Travel, Clay Oven and East India
Company are of note. This is rounded off with the presence of Bidhu Jha and Mohinder Sran
doing their part at the Manitoba Legislature. Members of the community in their own professional
fields and expertise continue with their best efforts to act as bridges to business and educational
opportunities between Manitoba and India and, all points South Asia.
Like communities, the Indo-Canadian community too has its share of issues and problems.
Nonetheless, members of the Indo-Canadian community, its various streams that give the
community strength and vibrancy remain poised to work and contribute to enriching their own
stream, community and, the larger community of Winnipeg and Manitoba.

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India Pavilion: Gearing Towards Folklorama
Submitted by Anupam Sharma.
Folklorama –the world’s largest and longest running celebration of culture and diversity- will
be taking place over two weeks from August 3-16, 2008. This year the India Pavilion will be
located at a new address, Indo-Canadian Arts and Culture Centre, 479 St. Mary’s Road.
The new venue provides for much more space and ample parking. The India Pavilion will be
open from 10 th to the 16 th August 2008 during the second week of the event.
Participation in Folklorama from members of the 44 communities of Winnipeg is mainly on a
voluntary basis and all with a common goal of showcasing the rich culture and tradition of their
respective communities or countries with commitment, dedication and passion. In so doing,
they bring to forefront the various streams of culture, tradition and outlooks that inform the
rich culture and diversity of our city Winnipeg and, the province Manitoba. Members of India
Association of Manitoba and the larger Indo-Canadian community also share this outlook.
Success or failure of any initiative or project, regardless of its scope and size, is highly dependent
on commitment and dedication of people. Essential also is the ability to work together as a
team because the sum of the whole is larger than its parts. In other words, if there is a lack
of cohesiveness and understanding, good intentions count for not much. For projects such as
Folklorama and the convening of the respective country pavilions, being a team player and
working together is essential. As first-time board member of this association and, presently
involved in the activities of the India Pavilion, my observation is that my colleagues share these
outlooks.
Over the next three weeks, the India Pavilion and all its offerings will be brought to attention of
our readers. The present article introduces Chairs of the various committees and responsibilities
for their particular areas. The two articles to follow will focus on food and beverages and, culture
and entertainment respectively. After all, good food and entertainment is integral to enjoyment
and having good time. Listed below are Chairs of the various committees and what each hopes
their committee will contribute to a successful outcome.
Leadership and Coordination
Adarsh Bahri is President of the Association and he has assumed the additional responsibility
of securing sponsorships from businesses and individuals within and outside the community. He
has done much work for the association and community over the past 13 years. Dost Mughal
is Vice President and, Pavilion Coordinator for this year. As owner and operator of General
Tours and Travel, he has a very good pulse on the community and, also a good eye for vision
and detail. Manish Pandey who otherwise is Professor of Economics at University of Winnipeg
serving as Associate Pavilion Coordinator provides the necessary assistance and support. He is
also Adult Ambassador.

Food and Beverage
Ravi Tandon and Nita Bahri are returning back as co-chairs of the food committee. Their
collective experience over the years provides for the necessary assurance required when
handling food. For Ravi Tandon, being owner and operator of General Tours and Travels has
been an added means of learning about cuisine. This is one area for which those interested in
touring India ask questions of him.
Indian cuisine is a recognized brand around the world such that some years back in the United
Kingdom tandoori chicken replaced fish and chips as that country’s national food. It is catching
on elsewhere as well around the world. This year, India Pavilion will be partnering with Clay
Oven Restaurant. This increasingly popular eatery focuses on and, as such is known for its
quality, presentation and excellent authentic food- providing a person with a total experience.
Trevor Ahluwalia, owner and operator of the restaurant, sees his participation as not only a
contribution to the community but also further exposure for the restaurant. Drs. Amar Gupta
and Amarjit Dhillon serve as co-chairs to the beverage and liquor committee. In addition to the
Canadian brands of beer, there will also be a brand or two from India to go with the food.
Entertainment and Culture
Sharan Tappia is chair of the entertainment committee- the second necessary ingredient for
a successful event. Notes Sharan, “the interesting thing about this committee is we all are
professional women, full time mothers and doing all this on top of our other social responsibilities”.
Assisted by others namely Aman Rai, Cindy Brar and Surjit Dhillon who are collectively working
together to ensure a good mix of entertainment that will appeal to all segments of the audience.
Briefly, entertainment will consist of Bollywood, classical and folk.
Mary Thottingal, secretary of the India Association, chairs the cultural display and vendors
committee. She has assumed this role for the past three years. Vendors and cultural and/or
state (provincial) associations from India are invited to set up booths. Vendors present services
and items such as henna tattoos, jewelry, clothes, handicrafts and groceries. The state booths
display regional cultures through paintings, clothes, different arts and literature.
Meet and Greet
Timmy Sharma as chair of the Tourists and VIP Committee will be responsible for ensuring that
out of town visitors and VIPs are accorded due courtesies and recognition. Assisted by high
school and university students, her committee will also be resource in answering any questions
about India and all it has to offer. Anupam Sharma is chair of the media committee. He has also
been mandated to serve as media contact and spokesperson for India Pavilion.
Closing Thoughts
Two things have characterized the workings of this group of people. There is commitment and
pride to do the best in showcasing our pavilion and community and have fun while doing this.
Secondly, the belief, this is just the beginning- a work in progress- whose fruits will be discerned
over the next few years.
For now, the group works in anticipation of delivering a successful event.

Food: A total experience
Submitted by Anupam Sharma.
For Trevor Ahluwalia, owner of Clay Oven a popular Indian restaurant in Winnipeg, cuisine
from India is about fresh food, preparation, ensuring representation of major food groupings and
presentation. For Ravi Tandon and Nita Bahri, returning co-chairs of the food committee, good
food is also a requirement to ensuring a successful India Pavilion at Folklorama.
This year, India Association of Manitoba is joining hands with Clay Oven to provide food at the
India Pavilion.
Representation of India in its entirety can be both a creative and challenging task. Geographically,
slightly smaller than Europe, it packs in an incredible amount of diversity. The usual areas
of diversity- social and cultural understandings, economic, language and religions- are well
known. Less known and appreciated is the diverse range of cuisine found across the country.
Large sections of the population are vegetarian. While in the north and west regions wheat is
the staple base; in the south and east, rice occupies the same position.
Depending on the region, food can be hot and spicy, mild and spicy. In the Gujarat it is more
on the sweetish side. As for meat, while chicken and mutton are predominant in the North,
elsewhere it is fish. This should not be particularly surprising as India is the world’s largest
peninsula, and its three sides are surrounded by water.
Underlying preparation of meat and vegetarian dishes is the use of herbs and spices where
particular combinations and proportions to taste render it more as a creative art. Rarely are
written and rigid recipes followed providing much liberty to taste and preference. For meat
dishes, garam (hot) masala (spice- a blend of spices such as cinnamon, roasted cumin, caraway
seeds, cloves, nutmeg, green and black cardamoms) serve as base. For vegetarian dishes, it is
primarily dhania (coriander) that serves the same role. Whereas for meat dishes, spices serve
as a preservative and tenderizer, the coriander in vegetable dishes enhances freshness and
taste.
In addition, herbs and spices also provide health and medicinal benefits. This has long been
known in traditional societies but now is increasingly accepted as such by the mainstream
society in the west. This is one reason why these are used in particular combinations so as to
ensure maximum benefits. According to Fitness Magazine, spices such as cinnamon, turmeric,
garlic, ginger and paprika are all helpful agents to alleviating among other things issues related
to heart, lowering blood sugar and nausea. However, for precise listing of benefits it is best to
consult a doctor who can in turn refer to the appropriate persons.
Indian Cuisine Abroad
For the mainstream especially across Europe and North America, Indian cuisine is synonymous

with North India or more accurately Mughlai. It is however much more. Mughlai food is
characterized by rich tomato and often dairy based sauces with spices providing the necessary
enhanced tastes and culinary experience. In the South, coconut and other spices serve the
same function to enhance the freshness and taste of vegetables fillings in the popular dosa
(crepe). Where established and known, south Indian cuisine is equally prominent.
Not surprisingly, manifestation, preferences and taste for food are governed by composition of
the community. That Mughlai cuisine is better known across Europe and North America is due
over the years in part to greater proportion of migration from Northern India. Here in Winnipeg
as well the Indo-Canadian community also conforms to this pattern.
Cuisine at Folklorama 2008
Clay Oven will serve appetizers, main course and dessert. Trevor states in addition to providing
hearty portions of fresh and tasty good food, his goal is that Indian cuisine becomes a mainstream
affair as it has become in the U.K. In the U.K. Indian food is common and words such as
tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala and aaloo-gobi (potato and cauliflower vegetable) have
entered into the daily vocabulary. People now routinely refer to baltis (bucket pots) in which
food is served in the restaurants.
Appetizers will consist mainly of tandoori chicken and, samosas lathered with chickpeas and
tamarind sauce. Tandoori chicken is that is roasted in a tandoor (preferably a clay oven) marinated
in yogurt and tandoori masala- the latter a blend of spices such as cumin, fenugreek, coriander,
oregano, paprika, cinnamon and black pepper. Samosas (dumplings filled with vegetables)
are made of filo pastry and these are either fried or baked. Chickpeas are cooked in a base of
gravy sauce consisting of sautéed onions and tomatoes in combination of spices such as cumin,
coriander, ginger, paprika, salt and turmeric.
Main course will provide for choice- vegetarian or meat thali (generally a round steel tray more
often containing compartments) allowing for presentation of a balanced meal targeting all food
groupings. Typically, dishes include rice, lentils, vegetables, chapattis, papad, salad, yogurt
and pickles and/or chutneys. For Folklorama, the vegetarian thali is centered on chicken peas,
navrattan korma (assorted vegetables in creamy sauce) and roasted cumin potatoes. On the
other hand, butter-chicken will serve as centrepiece for the meat thali. Completing the thali will
be naans (flat bread), rice, salad and yogurt.
Dessert to be served is the popular gulab (rose) jamun (reference to the crimson black coloration
of a popular berry). It is a sweet dish made of dough consisting of predominantly milk solids
and some flour. These are fired and then placed to soak in a hot honey syrup that has in it
cardamom seed and rose water. Also available will be the popular mango ice-cream.
We are promised a total experience. Remaining to be seen is the verdict to be rendered by the
customers.

Enterainment at India Pavilion 2008
A mix of classical and Modern
Submitted by Anupam Sharma.
On July 26, 2008 approximately seventy-five people attended auditions to be selected for
performances during Folklorama. There were others who could not make it for this time and
had made prior arrangements. Those auditing consisted of children, youth and adults. Cheering
them on and lending support for the young were the families as well. It was indeed quite an
occasion where fun and work took place in tandem.
Sharan Tappia, chair of the entertainment committee and her committee members- Aman Rai,
Cindy Brar and Surjit Dhillon- were pleased with the commitment and effort. They remarked
there is obviously no shortage of talent in the community. Based on auditions, the India Pavilion
will bring together a good mix of the classic, folk and the modern. Representing the country
in its entire range diversity at once is a formidable task requiring a broader project scope and
resources. Together with Mary Totthingal, chair of the cultural committee, their hope is that
a visitor to our pavilion will experience at least a slice of India’s rich diversity in entertainment
and cultural areas.
This year for 2008, India Pavilion is able to focus on Punjab and Northern India, Gujarat and
Rajasthan. In terms of items and offerings featured from these states are the well known Bhangra
and Gidda, Dandiyan and, folk dances. The modern and popular is represented by dance songs
and/or remixes from popular Bollywood films. Popular Bollywood films are currently a global
craze such that at a recent World Economic Leaders’ Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the guests at
India’s hospitality suites danced to the immensely intoxicating song- “kajra re”(kohl lined eyes).
Anchoring the folk and the modern are light classical Kathak dance performances from students
of India School of Dance, Jhankar School of Dance and Manohar Group of Performing Arts.
Lending support to the community and its effort is participation from Asha Roberson,
a professional dancer based in Atlanta Georgia. An amazing artist and her work has found
mention in Indian print media such as India Today and Times of India. She is versatile in
classic, folk and the modern popular. Among her testimonials, of particular interest to members
of our community and the larger readership- is her opening dance performance for Shahrukh
Khan’s 2004 “Temptation Tour” in Atlanta George (for the still uninitiated, Shahrukh is to
Bollywood what Brad Pitt is to Hollywood). She has also performed South Indian Classical
Dance in temples throughout USA and most recently for one of the biggest Hindu Saints in the
world, AMMA Chi. Among other artists and dignitaries who have attended her performances are
Madonna, Deepak Chopra and a Prime Minister of India. At the India Pavilion, Asha will lead
with folk dances from Rajasthan and promises to perform two particular songs Kajra re and,
Chayya Chayya (in each others’ shadows)- a sufi rendering composed by the inimitable music
director A.R. Rahman.

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The Dances: A brief guide
Kathak (Story or narration) is a classical dance tracing its roots to episodes in Lord Krishna’s life
and other ancient tracts of India. Over the centuries it has been suffused with influences of Persia
and other streams. During the Mughal era (1526-1707/1860s) the said influences crystallized
such that the dance transformed from devotional to entertainment. The dance progesses from
a slow start, acquiring tempo and ending in fast climax. However, the devotional foundation
still remains integral; in essence serving as a metaphor for Indian civilization’s openness and
absorptive capacity to other influences.
Bhangra and Giddha are popular folk dances from Punjab catering to predominantly male and
females respectively. Bhangra marks the completion of harvest and heralding of the new season.
The dance is high energy centered on the beat provided by the Dhol (drum). The Giddha on the
other hand is folk dance for the women where the beat is same but is more focused socially
related argumentation that is expressed in verse. The dances are increasingly popular and have
made inroads among non-Punjabi communities and, some parts of the mainstream especially
in countries such as the U.K. The British Government recently bestowed upon Malkit Singh the
well-known Punjabi artist Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to Punjabi
culture and music.
Dandiyan the famous and popular “stick-dance” from the state of Gujarat bringing together
men and women in two concentric circles and moving clock-wise and counter-clock formations.
With bamboo sticks in their hands, men and women dance in rhythm to clicking of the sticks
click. The dance articulates variously celebration of Lord Krishna’s episodes with the gopis
(the girl cowherds) and, offerings during the Navratri (nine nights) offerings to the Goddess.
Where celebration of Lord Krishna is concerned, the song is primarily of longing and love. At
Folklorama this year, the Dandiyan will be performed to a popular song of a Bollywood film
Folk Dances of Rajasthan to the extent affected by geography they are informed by the desert.
Rajasthan is home to the Thar Desert. In the past the vagaries of the desert would naturally give
rise to migration and movement. In addition to Punjab, the gypsies or the Romani trace roots
to this state. Folk dances generally relate to heroics, devotion and love. Ghoomar and Kalbelia
dances have attained international recognition. Ghoomar is a dance by women performed on
auspicious occasions. Kalbelia dance on the other hand is that of snake-charmers performed
by members of this tribe.
In closing
Culture and entertainment are intertwined and operate together. There are cultural displays
providing information about Maharashtra, Malayali Association, Rajasthan and Manohar Dance
Group of Performing Arts. A visit to the vendors would allow for the interested henna and
tattoos, fashion and jewelry, handcrafts and, groceries as well.
All that remains is for the show to begin!

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Rang Birangi (Assorted Colours) Dinner
National Chief Phil Fontaine, “Mahatma Gandhi Dr.” and the Indo-Canadian Community
On May 9, 2008, India Association of Manitoba hosted its annual Rang Birangi at the Royal
Crown Banquet Hall. As Chief Guest and keynote speaker, National Chief Phil Fontaine gave a
highly informational speech to the more than 300 persons who attended the function.
The evening was marked by greetings from Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, brief cultural
entertainment that culminated with dance and music. The Aboriginal student drummers’ group
from Churchill High School performed as well. An added feature to the event, on behalf of the
City of Winnipeg Councilor Russ Wyatt presented to the association the “Mahatma Gandhi
Drive” signage to mark the naming of a major street in Transcona.
Among the notable dignitaries who made time for the occasion were- Hon. Kerri Irvin Ross/
Manitoba Minister of Healthy Living, Chief Dennis Meeches/Long Plain First, Chief Glenn
Hudson/Peguis First Nation, Kevin Lamoureux/MLA, Chief of Police Keith McCaskill, Whelan
Sutherland/Tribal Councils Investment and Dr. Denise Koh/ Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory
and Advocacy Council (MEAAC).
Adarsh Bahri, President/India Association of Manitoba welcomed invited guests and members
of the community. While Rang Birangi is about spring and accompanying colours, it is also
an appropriate metaphor for the rich diversity of Canada and its people. There is need for
communities to interact with one another and explore mutually beneficial opportunities. First
Nations and its people will play a major in future economy and society in Manitoba and across the
prairies. It is therefore worth exploring how best to work together and realize opportunities.
Also introduced was the incoming Board of Directors of India Association. In connection to
Folklorama, also introduced were adult and youth ambassadors as well as members of the team
responsible for undertaking the work required to convene the India Pavilion.
National Chief Phil Fontaine
Submitted by Anupam Sharma.
National Chief Phil Fontaine began by commending India Association of Manitoba for its effort
to reach out to the First Nations and their people. An appreciative audience reciprocated in kind
as it listened to him with attention and respect.
The outreach initiative from IAM was seen as timely. It was deemed incumbent upon the First
Nations to reciprocate as well. The audience was informed of tremendous economic initiatives
that will place Aboriginal people at the forefront as drivers of economic development. Cited

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was the figure of $200 billion to be targeted for investments in various economic development
projects poised to take place over the next 20 years. These projects are located on traditional
lands belonging to the First Nations and their people. For this writer, in Manitoba, Chiefs Dennis
Meeches and Glenn Hudson and, Tribal Councils Investment Group are representative of a
progressive approach and outlook to community and economic development.
Rightfully, the National Chief recommended the two communities begin the process by getting
to know each other. This involves removal of prevailing stereotypes and prejudices. Attaining
appropriate information is another. Preservation of language and culture is seen as crucial
and, this is one area with which the Indo-Canadian community could be involved. Of the
55 languages and dialects only three were in use- others had disappeared. Also, reclaiming
of culture and tradition continues to be an important step where at least these can now be
appropriately practiced. With respect to participation in the Canadian society, one marker is
the education. Since the 1950s, the number of university students has increased from no more
than 10 across Canada to the present number of at least 30,000. Education is a necessary
building material for any community and its people.
Politically, the relationship of a given First Nation with Canada is governed by Treaty entered
by the parties as equals on “nation to nation” basis. It therefore is patently incorrect to equate
First Nations in terms of status to that of a province or a municipality. Also elaborated upon was
the concept of “duty to consult and accommodate” which arises from the said treaties and for
which the Crown/Canada is legally obliged to undertake with the First Nations and peoples of
Canada.
“Mahatma Gandhi Drive”
The symbolic presence of Mahatma Gandhi was highly poignant. “Mahatma Gandhi Drive” may
well be an appropriate metaphor serving to connect persons and communities. For, Gandhi’s life
was devoted to uplift of the downtrodden and the poor first in South Africa and then in India.
It was to reclaim dignity and position in the society for those who were least able or allowed to
do so.
Gandhi’s devotion to an inter-community dialogue may well be an appropriate point of departure-
after all even today sixty years after his death, he is still seen by many as being relevant to the
various social and environmental debates playing out around the world.
Finally
Rang Birangi Dinner was about good food, getting together and having a good time. However,
thanks to the National Chief, it also left everyone with much food for thought. It was all about
reaching out.

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Indian Fashion
Indian fashion varies from one state to another state, from one city to another city. India’s
fashion heritage is rich in tradition, vibrant in colors, stylish and centuries old. It is a land of
color and diverse cultures. Indian dressing styles are marked by many variations, both religious
and regional with a wide choice of textures and styles. Each region displays a different style of
draping it. Indian fashion is also influenced by the lifestyle, the climatic conditions and religious
inclination.
Bold colors created by the inventive drapes of these textiles catches the imagination like no
other contemporary clothing.
The SARI, simple, understated yet supremely elegant is increasingly becoming a fashion
statement in urban India. One of the most commonly worn traditional dresses, it is essentially a
rectangular cloth measuring about 6 yards, though in Maharashtra, women wear the nine yard
sari which is passed through the legs and tucked in at the back. The sari comes in a profusion
of colours, textures and designs, determined largely by the region. There are several ways of
draping a sari, which is first wound around the waist, before being pleated seven or eight times
at the centre and tucked into the waistband. Underneath the sari one wears a Petticoat: - a
waist-to-floor length skirt, tied tightly at the waist by a drawstring and a Choli : a blouse that
ends just below the bust. These pleats are called the patli. The remaining sari, called the pallu
is then pleated again and draped across the left shoulder to fall gracefully behind. This pattern
of wearing sari is popular in Northern India. There are regional variations, like in Gujarat, the
pallu comes from the back, and drapes across the front over the right shoulder. The sari is worn
with a tight-fitting choli or blouse. The style and length of the choli varies according to fashion
trends and from region to region.
The traditional dress for women in Rajasthan and Gujarat is the lehenga choli or ghagra choli.
These cholis are brightly embroidered, waist-length bare-backed blouses. Ghagras or lehengas
are gathered ankle-length skirts secured around the waist. The attire is completed by a veilcloth
called odhni or dupatta draped across the neck or over the head. The lehenga-choli or
ghagra choli is extremely colourful, adding verve and colour to the surrounding landscapes.
Tribal women in theses area bedeck themselves from head to toe with chunky silver jewellery.
Young girls in South India wear a half saree, somewhat similar to a lehenga choli. The only
difference is that the dupatta is wound across the waist and draped across the left shoulder like
the saree pallu.
A popular, comfortable and convenient dress is the salwar kameez or churidar kurta. This
was traditonally the dress worn in Punjab and Kashmir, but is now worn almost everywhere,
particularly among the younger generations. The kameez or the kurta is a knee-length flowing
tunic worn over a salwar or churidar. A salwar is a pyjama-like trouser which tapers slightly
towards the ankles, while the churidar is a tight-fitting trouser which gathers at the ankles.
These gathers at the ankles look like bangles (churis) and hence the name. A dupatta generally
completes the ensemble.
In India, as elsewhere, accessories are an integral part of the ritual of dressing. The world over,
Indian women are associated with the ‘dot’ in the middle of their forehead, called Kum Kum

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or bindi. Traditionally round, the bindi is now available in various colours, shapes and sizes.
Today it is for the most part an adornment. Vermilion or sindoor applied at the parting of the
hair indicates a married woman.
A traditional Indian woman is rarely seen without jewellery. A mangal-sutra, a necklace made
with black and gold beads is considered sacred, and in many areas is always worn by a married
woman. Many women, particularly in the rural areas of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat
wear ornately crafted nose-rings. Gold, silver or colourful glass bangles are another favourite,
dating from the tradition of never having your hands bare. Women in Rajasthan wear bangles
that go all the way to their shoulders. Indian women generally have their ears pierced, and
commonly sport ear-rings.
MEN are considerably less traditional when it comes to dressing. In urban areas, they have
adapted to a western style of dressing. In villages men generally wear kurtas, a knee length
shirt-styled tunic, with lungis, dhotis or pyjamas. The lungi originated in the south but is now
worn all over india. It is a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist. A dhoti is longer than a lungi,
has sari style pleats and is draped through the legs. In states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab
and Maharashtra men wear a safa or turban on their heads. Elsewhere too, various kinds of
topis are It is a long scarf which is wound round the head in different ways. The Pathani suit is
very similar to the salwar-kameez and is generally worn by men in north India. The Achkan is
a long collarless jacket worn over a churidar for formal occasions.
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