Our Story
WHO WE ARE:
A pioneer in South Asian media, DARPAN Magazine has been a leader and trendsetter in the Canadian market since 2004. Recognized as the premier South Asian publication, DARPAN provides definitive coverage of the fastest growing ethnic market in Canada â South Asians. The publication primarily serves South Asians, who originate from India, Pakistan, Nepal and other parts of the globe, such as Fiji Islands, England and Africa. DARPAN also appeals to the mainstream populace â Canadians of non-South Asian heritage, who not only have an interest in the South Asian lifestyle, but want to read in-depth, thought-provoking features in a high-end glossy publication.
DARPAN fills a significant gap in the ethnic media market with thoughtful, engaging editorial features and innovative, high-quality design, in addition to an extremely targeted distribution.
Reaching thousands of South Asians, DARPAN publishes six bi-monthly issues each year:
⢠January/February
⢠March/April
⢠May/June
⢠July/August
⢠September/October
⢠November/December
In addition, DARPAN publishes two special collectorâs issues to commemorate these important celebrations:
⢠Vaisakhi â published in Spring, this issue celebrates the harvest festival, New Year and rich history of Sikhs. DARPAN is a leading media partner at the Vaisakhi parades in Vancouver and Surrey, which attract a global South Asian audience with over 200,000 participants each year. The special collectorâs edition is distributed at the time of the parades to thousands of attendees, who look forward to seeing it each year.
⢠Diwali â published in Fall, this issue celebrates the Festival of Lights, which marks the victory of good over evil through the lighting of diyas (lamps). It is observed as a celebration of the New Year, and is considered a prosperous occasions for family gatherings around the globe.
DARPANâS EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:
Recognized as the pre-eminent social, networking and philanthropic event-of-the-year, the Extraordinary Achievement Awards honour 10 individuals, who have made extraordinary achievements in diverse areas and who reflect their South Asian heritage in a remarkable way. Furthermore, these individuals are also recognized for their overall contribution to society on a national and global scale.
DARPANâs Extraordinary Achievement Awards is a red-carpet extravaganza, which features the much-anticipated Awards presentation, an exemplary keynote speaker, top-notch entertainment and gourmet cuisine. In addition, attendees are encouraged to support our notable charitable partner each year.
As a platform for all South Asians, DARPAN will continue to find the gems in the community and honour them with these prestigious awards. We hope that this simple act will trigger the ripple effect of inspiring more South Asians to do the extraordinary!
ONLINE COMMUNITY:
Over the years, DARPAN has built a vibrant and engaging online community. DARPANâs website is interactive and updated on a daily basis. We strive to keep our readers up-to-date on relevant and breaking news with a focus on local and global issues. We stay connected with our readers through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep a lively conversation going on diverse issues.
PHILANTHROPY:
DARPAN Magazine is actively involved in the local community. We sponsor and attend a variety of events, which are featured in the âNews in Picturesâ section of the publication. DARPAN is front and center at numerous cultural festivities that focus on South Asian celebrations.
DARPAN Magazine also supports numerous charitable organizations, striving to promote their causes and garner funding. We are proud to support the following organizations:
⢠BC Cancer Society
⢠BC Childrenâs Hospital: âA World of Smilesâ Telethon and âA Night of Miraclesâ
⢠Narayanan Krishnanâs Akshaya Trust
In addition, DARPAN focuses on helping to advance the interests of numerous artistic and athletic initiatives, such as:
⢠Vancouver International Bhangra Celebrationâs âHSBC City of Bhangraâ
⢠The Canada Cup International Field Hockey Tournament
In April 2013, DARPAN was the exclusive magazine partner for the inaugural Times of India Film Awards, which took place in Vancouver, TOIFAâs first host city.