Canada

Thousands Welcome New Year with Devotion at Calgary Temples

Thousands Welcome New Year with Devotion at Calgary Temples

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): The New Year was celebrated with great devotion and community participation at the ISKCON Calgary Temple – Radha Madhav Cultural Association (RMCA), and the Hindu Society of Calgary, as thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings on December 31 and January 1, 2026. ISKCON Calgary Temple – Radha Madhav Cultural Association Hosts New Year’s Eve Program The ISKCON Calgary Temple , Radha Madhav Cultural Association (RMCA) organized a special New Year’s Eve program on December 31, from 6:00 PM to midnight. The program featured devotional kirtan, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, followed by…
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Books to Boots: Academic Excellence Meets Endurance in Vivek Dhande’s 176-km Ultra Run

Books to Boots: Academic Excellence Meets Endurance in Vivek Dhande’s 176-km Ultra Run

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Vivek Dhande’s mother, Priya Dhande, who resides in Calgary, has shared details of her son’s ultra distance run across Maharashtra, highlighting a journey that combined endurance with history and geography. Mumbai-born endurance runner Vivek Dhande, 23, completed a 176 kilometre run from Pune’s historic Shaniwar Wada to the Gateway of India in Mumbai over three days, transforming the athletic effort into a passage through Maharashtra’s landscape and his own personal narrative. Dhande said the choice of start and finish points was intentional. Shaniwar Wada, he noted, represents Pune’s historical and cultural legacy, while the Gateway of…
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Major Water Main Failure Causes Flooding and Road Closures in Bowness Calgary

Major Water Main Failure Causes Flooding and Road Closures in Bowness Calgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A significant water infrastructure failure has caused localized flooding and major service disruptions in the Bowness community, prompting road closures and an urgent request from authorities for the public to avoid non-essential travel in the area. The incident is centered around 16th Avenue NW and Sarcee Trail NW, where water has flooded roadways and affected nearby properties. Emergency crews and first responders remain on scene as they work to manage the situation and assess the extent of the damage. City officials report that approximately 2,000 homes and 100 businesses have been impacted by water service disruptions. Several…
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Heavy Rain Triggers Fresh Highway Washouts Across Haida Gwaii and Northwest B.C.

Heavy Rain Triggers Fresh Highway Washouts Across Haida Gwaii and Northwest B.C.

Haida Gwaii, B.C (Rajeev Sharma): Persistent heavy rainfall has led to continued highway washouts in Haida Gwaii and parts of northwest British Columbia, disrupting travel and isolating several communities as repair crews assess the damage. Authorities say sections of Highway 16 on Haida Gwaii have been severely affected, forcing closures between key points with no alternate routes available. The washouts have cut off north–south movement on the islands, impacting access between communities including Tlell, Lawn Hill, Skidegate and Daajing Giids. Local officials and volunteers are assisting stranded motorists and residents while monitoring conditions on affected stretches. Environment Canada has warned…
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Human Remains Identified as 26-Year-Old Ottawa Man in Northern Ontario, OPP Launch Investigation

Human Remains Identified as 26-Year-Old Ottawa Man in Northern Ontario, OPP Launch Investigation

CLARA AND MARIA TOWNSHIP, ONT (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after human remains were discovered in Head, Clara and Maria Township, east of North Bay, Ontario. Police said they were alerted to the discovery on Sunday morning, following which an investigation was immediately launched at the site. The remains have since been identified as those of 26-year-old Hakim Muhikira, a resident of Ottawa. OPP officials said preliminary findings indicate there is no broader threat to public safety at this time. Police added that an increased presence will be maintained in the area as investigators work to determine the…
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Defends Health-Care Overhaul, Says 2026 Will Show Results

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Defends Health-Care Overhaul, Says 2026 Will Show Results

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has completed the legal framework for its sweeping health-care overhaul in 2025, and Premier Danielle Smith says the coming year will be crucial in proving that the controversial restructuring delivers better outcomes for patients. The reorganisation dismantled Alberta Health Services as the province’s central health authority, reducing it to the role of a hospital service provider. New agencies have been created to separately oversee hospital care, continuing care, mental health and addiction services, and primary health care, all functioning under four health ministries. Smith said the passage of key legislation during the fall sitting…
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Rockfall Forces Closure of Popular Squamish Hiking Trail in B.C.

Rockfall Forces Closure of Popular Squamish Hiking Trail in B.C.

Squamish, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma): Authorities have closed the main trail at Stawamus Chief indefinitely following a major rockfall that covered a significant portion of the path with rocks and fallen trees. The incident reportedly occurred around 10:40 p.m. on December 26, according to witnesses, though the closure was officially announced by B.C. Parks on December 27. Fortunately, Squamish Search and Rescue confirmed that no hikers were injured in the event. A social media post from Squamish SAR urged the public to avoid the area entirely until officials can assess the trail for safety. Hiker Nathan Romanin encountered the debris the…
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Indian Expat’s Canada Comparison Video Divides Internet Over ‘Better Life’ Claim

Indian Expat’s Canada Comparison Video Divides Internet Over ‘Better Life’ Claim

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): A social media post by an Indian resident in Canada has ignited a fresh online conversation about whether moving abroad truly offers a better life for the middle class. The video, shared on Instagram by a man named Vishal, compares his everyday experiences in Canada with what he describes as the realities of urban life in India. In the short clip, Vishal documents moments from his daily routine, drawing attention to what he sees as simple but meaningful differences. He highlights quieter neighbourhoods, minimal traffic noise and the presence of clean air and natural sounds, suggesting these…
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Greater Victoria Expands Weather Shelters as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

Greater Victoria Expands Weather Shelters as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): With temperatures in Greater Victoria dipping below zero, local authorities are opening additional Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelters tonight, while firefighters will conduct wellness checks and distribute warming kits to those in need. The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) in Saanich will offer up to 50 beds, including 25 temporary winter shelter spots and 25 permanent spaces. Meanwhile, Broadview United Church, recently approved as an EWR shelter, will open for the second consecutive night, providing room for up to 20 people and allowing pets. Sleeping mats, blankets, clothing, toiletries, meals, and warm beverages will be available…
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ISKCON Calgary to Host New Year’s Eve Kirtan Fest and Auspicious New Year Celebration

ISKCON Calgary to Host New Year’s Eve Kirtan Fest and Auspicious New Year Celebration

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma ) : ISKCON Calgary and Shri Radha Madhav society has announced a vibrant two day spiritual celebration to welcome the New Year with devotion, music, and joy at the ISKCON Calgary Temple. The festivities begin with the New Year’s Eve Kirtan Fest on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 12:00 midnight. Devotees and visitors can look forward to an evening filled with ecstatic live kirtan, dancing till midnight, and performances by talented local kirtaniyas, including a special kirtan by HG Sanatana Dharma Das. The program will also feature volunteer appreciation, a drama by CVA…
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