Many of our readers will be able to relate to the story of Devina Zalesky, the subject
of this issue’s cover story. Like so many other South Asian immigrants in the early 1970s, she and her family arrived in Canada with little more than a dream for a better life. Ever since she got her first job at the age of 13, Zalesky has been impressing her bosses wtih her drive, her people skills and her willingness to go the extra mile. Today, as president of AllWest Insurance, a major player in B.C.’s auto-insurance business, she’s in the driver’s seat of a business that employs more than 200 people. Now, Zalesky is drawing on the indomitable will that propelled her up the business ladder to face an unexpected, life-altering challenge.

Zalesky is one of several intriguing people featured in this issue. We also profile Gary Dhaliwal, a 22-year-old who’s making his mark in B.C.’s construction industry; Sunita Bapooji, who teaches a form of yoga she says anyone can practise; Saroj Sood, whose “all for one, one for all” philosophy has created an invaluable support system for her fellow residents at the PICS Assisted Living home.

Also in this issue, we cover a diverse range of topics. Mehfil speaks to several British Columbians of South Asian descent about their reaction to a recent poll that indicates only one-third of Canadians have a favourable impression of Muslims and Sikhs. In the wake of headline-making allegations of mistreatment levelled at Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla by former caregivers, we take a closer look at the rules in the federal Live- In Caregivers program that leave foreign caregivers vulnerable to exploitation. From India comes a story about the mounting waiting lists for India’s new Nano automobile, which has put car ownership within the reach of a whole new segment of the country’s population.

As always, we welcome your feedback.

- Minto Vig, Rana Vig