‘They support the women’ India Mahila Association celebrates 45 years of empowerment By KATHRYN TINDALE orty-five years ago, a trend of murders and suicides in Vancouver’ss South Asian community moved Raminder Dosanjh to co-found a women's empowerment society. In 2018, the India Mahila Asso- ciation is one of the oldest women’s associations in the Lower Main- land and continues the tradition of empowerment and activism that began in 1973. “It was just a very practical thing for us. Whatever we saw in the community we dealt with,” Dosan- jh said. According to Dosanjh, stigmas against women’s empowerment af- fected meeting attendance, so they join. formed a folk dance group instead. Women taught each other, while conversing about social issues and strengthening bonds. Sargie Kaler, IMA member and clinical counsel- lor, said the work of previous gen- erations allowed future women to “They support the women, they embrace them, they give them a voice,” she said. Kaler came to the IMA during a desperate time in her life, but said she learned to thrive again through the help she received. “Tm not the only woman [in this] organization that has moved for- ward with their lives,” she said. “They're doing it from their heart.” — DARSHAN MANN, IMA MEMBER The IMA works as a collective to incorporate ideas from all mem- bers, and Dosanjh believes in con- scious practices. “Value your traditions and cus- toms that are good for you and everyone. Those that de- value women, we should shed those,” Dosan- jh said. In the association's history of ac- tivism, Dosanjh said one of their proudest moments was in the forming of a coalition to stop the construction of a sex-selection clin- ic targeting South Asian women in Vancouver. According to IMA member Dar- shan Mann, a 1980s movement to bridge the culture gap between the South Asian community and tran- sition houses, which provided sup- port for women escaping violence, was another important step for the association. ‘The IMA functions without op- erational funding or a designated building and is managed entirely by volunteers. Mann believes that volunteership is part of what makes the association strong. “Because they're doing it from their heart, they are more dedicat- ed. They are more involved with the victim,” Mann said. ‘The IMA will be celebrating its 45th anniversary with a night of dinner and dancing on Nov. 9 at Fraserview Hall. Art society floats to new Six years after securing space, comics guild is flourishing By MANDY MOON C loudscape Comics Society has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the back room of a coffee shop, and is now a force to be reckoned with in Vancouver’s art scene. Since the City of Vancouver granted Cloudscape a studio space at the Fieldhouse in 2012, the or- ganization has been giving back to the community through volun- teering and mentorship. ‘The space was originally granted for only two years, but executive director Jeffrey Ellis believes their involvement has played a key part in keeping the Local comic artist Hannah Myers puts the finishing touches on her zine series at the Fieldhouse, in preparation for Canzine. “any MooN PHOTO space. “T think they're happy to have us keep doing what we're doing, be- cause it seems to be working,” Ellis said. Cloudscape’s most recent com- munity project was in conjunction with Van Dusen’s Glow in the Gar- den, where members carved pump- kins for display. Last autumn, Cloudscape worked with TransLink to showcase the struggles of Syrian refugees in the joint project Comics in Transit. These comics were installed at bus shelters in lieu of advertisements. ‘The designated studio space has allowed the society to organize and double their membership. In their coffee shop days, about 10 people heights would gather on a busy night. Now, attendance often surpasses 20 or more. The society hosts meetings every Wednesday evening and open studio sessions on weekend after- noons, with art and comic classes offered throughout the year. The society’s current treasurer, Oliver McTavish-Wisden, works as a community arts programmer and said Cloudscape has been effective at providing a consistent workspace for artists. “Cloudscape has allowed a lot of people to develop their own prac- tice. Around eight to 10 members use the space on a regular basis and have drawing tables set up,” he said. A local comic artist who’s been with Cloudscape since 2016, James Brandi, said the society has been an invaluable resource for networking and meeting kindred spirits. “It’s the only thing like it in Vancouver, as far as I’ve been able to find,” Brandi said. “If you are involved in comics in Vancouver, you'll end up going through there.” Deep breaths to beat stress Studying students may find meditation the key to success By MATHILDA DE VILLIERS editation has been prov- en to help people stay centered and focused in times of stress, according to a local teacher of the practice. Sunil Khatri offers free medi- tation classes every Tuesday on Main Street and 64th Avenue. He teaches a practice called Sahaja Yoga meditation, which stems from ancient India. Sahaja means ‘born within’ and refers to the practice of using self-realization as a guide. According to Khatri, meditation teaches you how to be more pro- ductive and react to situations dif- ferently, making it a valuable tool for stressed students. “In less time, you could achieve more,” he said. For students who lead busy lives and think they don’t have time to meditate, it can be incorporated as easily as showering or brushing teeth. According to Khatri, five or 10 minutes a day is enough for the practice to have benefits. “Shower is for the external body, and meditation is for your internal cleaning,” he said. Megha Mohan has been attend- ing Khatri’s classes for about two months, and she said it has already made a difference. “Tam alot more calm than J used to be. I used to be very reactive to situations, and took everything personally,” she said. Mohan believes students can benefit from meditation if they are willing to try it, but you can't force people into it. “Tt has to come from within,” she said. Linda Turner, manager of health and human services at Langara College, offers two mindfulness courses through continuing studies that teach meditation practices. For Turner, the benefits are es- sential. “Usually our minds are busy with a lot of chatter, and not necessarily accurate or a reflection of reality." Get comfortable in a quiet space. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply. Instrumental music can help achieve tranquility. As you grow more calm, move into a thoughtless awareness. If you're struggling to find zen, head to langaravoice.ca for instructional footage. SOURCE: SUNIL KHATRI