Vancouver Archives - National Times

19 Jun

Happyness Wellness Community Society, in Partnership with Consulate General of India, Vancouver, Celebrates International Day of Yoga in Surrey

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaVancouver

Surrey ( Richa Walia): Happyness Wellness Community Society, in partnership with the Consulate General of India, Vancouver, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at Unwin Park in Surrey, bringing together community members for a day focused on wellness, mindfulness, and unity. The event was held under the global theme “Yoga for Wellness, Wisdom, and World Peace.” Residents of all ages participated in a guided yoga session led by Tarana Kaur, followed by a community potluck picnic that encouraged social interaction and cultural harmony. The celebration highlighted yoga’s role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and inner peace.…

02 Jun

CHCC BC Chapter Expresses Gratitude at Hariprabodham Vancouver Spiritual Gathering in Surrey, BC

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingVancouver

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): The CHCC BC Chapter has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Hariprabodham Vancouver for hosting a deeply inspiring and spiritually enriching gathering held on 31st May in Surrey, BC. The event brought together members of the community in an atmosphere of devotion, peace, and spiritual reflection. The gathering was marked by an uplifting evening of bhakti, prayer, and spiritual discourse, where attendees experienced a strong sense of unity and divine connection. Community members described the event as both meaningful and transformative, highlighting the importance of such programs in strengthening cultural and spiritual values within the diaspora. A major…

12 Apr

Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade Draws Massive Crowds Under Heightened Security Measures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, TrendingVaisakhi Parade, Vancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): One of Canada’s largest cultural gatherings, the annual Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver, returned on Saturday with a strong turnout, but under noticeably stricter security arrangements and a modified route aimed at ensuring public safety. Organised by the Vancouver Khalsa Diwan Society, the event attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees celebrating Vaisakhi — a festival marking the harvest season and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699, a pivotal moment in Sikh history. This year’s procession saw visible changes, including the deployment of heavy vehicles to block intersections, installation of protective barriers, extensive road closures, and a significant…

05 Apr

Warmer, Drier Spring Likely for Metro Vancouver After Rare Snowless Winter

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingMetro Vancouver, Vancouver

Metro Vancouver(Rajeev Sharma): Following an unusually mild winter with no snowfall for the first time in over four decades, Metro Vancouver could be heading into a spring season marked by higher temperatures and below-average rainfall, according to forecasters. Meteorologist Matt Loney from Environment and Climate Change Canada indicated that long-range projections point to a warmer and drier pattern developing through the coming months. While short-term fluctuations are expected, the broader outlook suggests that April’s latter half, along with May and June, may see sustained above-normal temperatures. As the Easter weekend approaches, residents can expect sunny skies and a notable spike…

20 Mar

Air India Vancouver Flight Turns Back After Seven Hours Due to Aircraft Approval Lapse

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, World NewsAir India, aircraft approval, Boeing 777, Delhi Airport, flight return, operational lapse, Vancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A major administrative oversight forced a Vancouver-bound Air India flight to return to New Delhi on Thursday evening after being airborne for more than seven hours. The Boeing 777-200 LR (registration VT-AEI) was flying through Chinese airspace when it was discovered that the specific aircraft model was not approved for this particular route under Canadian aviation requirements. Sources indicate that a failure to update the list of operational requirements for Canada led to the deployment of the wrong aircraft type. According to industry insiders, the Delhi-Vancouver service was specifically cleared to be operated using a Boeing 777-300…

15 Mar

Fear Grips Punjabi Construction Community in Vancouver Amid Rising Extortion Threats

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingVancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Growing extortion threats targeting South Asian entrepreneurs have now reached Vancouver, where several Punjabi builders say they are being forced to alter business practices out of concern for their safety. The problem, which previously emerged in Surrey and Brampton, has begun affecting Vancouver’s construction sector. Developers from the Punjabi community report receiving threatening phone calls demanding money, prompting many to remove signboards from project sites and reduce their public visibility. Reports by OMNI News suggest that some builders have even asked municipal authorities to remove their contact information and development details from publicly accessible city records, fearing…

18 Jan

Dense Fog Prompts Safety Advisory Across Parts of Metro Vancouver

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingVancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Motorists in southwestern Metro Vancouver have been urged to exercise caution as thick fog continues to blanket parts of the region, significantly reducing visibility on roads and bridges. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a fog advisory on Saturday afternoon, warning that conditions could deteriorate to near-zero visibility in areas including Richmond, Delta and Tsawwassen. The advisory is expected to remain in effect through Sunday afternoon. According to the weather agency, visibility may drop suddenly in some locations, creating hazardous driving conditions. Drivers have been advised to switch on their headlights, reduce speed and leave extra space…

02 Jan

Air India Pilot Removed from Duty After Alcohol Breach at Vancouver Airport

nishuthapar10 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingAir India, Vancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Air Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to conduct a thorough investigation after a pilot reportedly arrived for duty under the influence of alcohol, failing two breathalyzer tests at Vancouver International Airport. The incident caused a last-minute delay to a Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23. The pilot was asked to leave the aircraft, and Canadian authorities performed breath tests that the pilot did not pass, a source familiar with the matter said, requesting anonymity. Transport Canada described the episode as “serious” in a letter to the airline and indicated that enforcement actions could follow depending on…

01 Dec

Indian High Commissioner Strengthens Engagement with Diaspora During First Official Visit to Vancouver

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingIndian High Commissioner, Surrey, Vancouver

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): High Commissioner of India to Canada Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik, accompanied by Mrs. Poonam Patnaik and Shri Masakui Rungsung, Consul General of India, undertook a series of community outreach engagements during his inaugural visit to Vancouver, reinforcing India’s commitment to its diaspora in Canada. The delegation commenced the visit by paying obeisance at the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Surrey, where they were received with a traditional welcome by the temple management. In his remarks, High Commissioner Patnaik acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s valuable contributions to Canadian society and to India–Canada relations. He urged community members to continue serving…

17 Sep

SFJ Issues Fresh Threat, Plans ‘Siege’ at Indian Consulate in Vancouver

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Vancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has once again escalated its campaign, declaring that it will “occupy” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver on Thursday. The group, which operates from the United States, appealed to members of the Indo-Canadian community to avoid visiting the consulate on that day. Alongside its announcement, SFJ circulated a poster portraying India’s new High Commissioner, Dinesh Patnaik, with a target mark on his image. The group alleged that Indian diplomatic offices in Canada were functioning as intelligence hubs, keeping tabs on supporters of the Khalistan Referendum. SFJ tied its latest move to Canadian…