March 29, 7:30PM Mississauga: We were in Mississauga when the Earth Hour approached. As the zero hour approached, the Bawa residence was abuzz with excitement. All the kids had been lined up at the dinner table with explicit instructions to be done before 8:00PM. My mom had rounded up enough candles for our house, and we were going to experience a total electricity out hour.

It turned out that the Indian news media of the Greater Toronto Area had been quite instrumental in getting the word out. As a result, anybody who tunes into the Indian radio, Indian TV, or reads an Indian newspaper, was aware of the Earth Hour initiative. All the local Gurudwaras had also joined the initiative by hosting 1 hour of candle light meditation hour. The devotees of Gurudwaras had been urged to show up in time to finish Langar before 8:00PM.

Once the clock hit 8:00PM, all the lights of the Bawa residence were switched off. It was amazing to see how the total lack of access to computers and TV brought all the family members together, and for 1 full hour, we all sat around and just chatted. Somewhat akin to the campfires we have experienced during our camping outings.

Once the hour was over, all the kids promptly took off to their electronics, and the adults were left hoping that this hour had had more than 60 minutes.