TOIFA hosts evening to celebrate female thought leaders

March 5th, 2013 Mumbai – In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, organizers of TOIFA had assembled an evening of thought provoking discussion and exciting entertainment, bringing together some of the most beloved female entertainment icons and business leaders from India and British Columbia. Held at the River Rock Casino Resort Show Theatre on Saturday, March 2nd, the TOIFA Women’s Day event was a global gathering dedicated to celebrating the spirit and power of women. The women participating and attending this event were from various backgrounds, industries and ages – yet each one had an impactful story to tell and has made a significant difference to the world. The exclusive event, hosted by renowned CBC news reporter Belle Puri, featured an in-depth panel discussion on top issues facing women globally today, with a number of high profile participants from India including Dia Mirza, former Miss Asia Pacific and Actress; Perizaad Zorabian, Entrepreneur and Actress; and Diana Hayden, Former Miss World and Actress, along with some of British Columbia’s top female leaders including The Honourable Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development; Shushma Dutt, Entrepreneur; and Dr. Shimi Kang, Clinical Associate Professor, University of British Columbia. The Honourable Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development said, "Our government is proud that the Times of India is showcasing British Columbia to its millions of newspaper readers and television viewers. The Women's Day fundraiser will be covered across the Times Group's unparalleled media network and is an extraordinary opportunity to show India that B.C. is a place where women, their families and their businesses, can prosper. Today's forum reminds us that as British Columbians, South Asians, and as women, there is much more that unites us than divides us. I hope this event is just the beginning of many career-building experiences and life enriching relationships." As part of the evening, BC-based fashion designer Davi Bains-Gill wowed the audience with the vibrant colours, pure fabrics and intricate embroidery showcased throughout her spring collection. Bains-Gill is renowned for creating fusion garments worn by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts around the world. The fashion show portion of the evening, choreographed by Marc Robinson also featured fashions from India’s premier designers, Satya Paul. The designer garments showcased reflect the signature prints, evocatively feminine designs and timeless style that sets the Satya Paul label apart. Iconic pieces included those from the label’s Pop Art, Back to the Future and Lumiere collections. Models also showcased the latest Anarkalis from the bridal range. A special performance by local ensemble Sticks n’ Skins caps brought the evening to a close. The group, brought together by the legendary Vancouver musician and producer Sal Ferreras, showcased the percussive sounds of India, Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Japan and the First Nations people of Canada. All proceeds from the evening were in benefit of the Minerva Foundation for BC Women whose mission is to elevate the visibility, influence and contribution of women leaders. "I am incredibly proud to be participating in this wonderful event celebrating women in leadership on a truly global level. The richness of knowledge and vast array of talents that are represented in one room is such an inspiration and I'm honoured to have been asked to bring my expertise to the mix." – Dr. Shimi Kang, Psychiatrist, Author & Clinical Associate Professor, University of British Columbia "I am very honored to be showcasing my latest collection in this particular event as it recognizing powerful women and their contributions to society." – Davi Bains-Gill, BC Fashion Designer “A modern progressive world needs equality in all aspects, more so in education. With more women in the corporate sector, and in the government, with greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one to a point of contention could think that women have gained true equality. The debatable and rather unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse that that of men. Each one of us needs to get proactive and do our bit in ensuring that the future for girls’ women is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.” – Marc Robinson, Choreographer “It gives me great pleasure to be involved with this progressive initiative taken by the Times of India by organizing a Women's Day Special evening. I feel as much as we have made our mark and proven that women are no less than men, encouragement, support and appreciation can never go amiss. If through this panel discussion we manage to make a difference to even one woman, where she feels the power and recognizes the strength within herself, we would have accomplished plenty.” – Diana Hayden, former Miss World and Actress “Satya Paul is proud to be associated with TOIFA as these awards not only celebrate talent but they also celebrate art, culture, innovation and diversity, which is everything the brand stands for.” – Sanjay Kanpoor, CEO Genesis Group “Minerva’s Vision to ‘Change the Face of Leadership in BC’, and our focus on Values-Based Leadership, is a perfect complement to the theme of tonight’s event – finding success by following your passion. The Minerva Foundation for BC Women is honoured to be the beneficiary of this event, and we are thrilled that TOIFA’s generous support will help us to elevate the visibility, influence and contribution of women leaders.” – Fiona Douglas-Crampton, CEO, Minerva Foundation for BC Women "I am very pleased to be part of this historic gathering of successful Indian and Canadian women at an event that celebrates international women's day" – Shushma Datt, Entrepreneur "THIND Properties shares a common objective with the Times of India Group in that we are continually striving to enhance the communities in which we have the ability to bring positive change. Tonight's event is about sharing common goals and celebrating the leadership of countless women throughout British Columbia, India and beyond. There was no question that we wanted to stand up in support of this inspiring cause." – Mr. Daljit Thind, THIND Properties Ltd.