In what staff believed was the first multilingual book launch at a Mississauga library, Chopra showcased poetry and paintings that reflect her Indian heritage and Canadian experience, in an approach Indian Consul M.P. Singh called "unselfconsciously multicultural."

Mississauga-Brampton South MP Navdeep Bains acknowledged how anxious everyone, himself included, was to watch Canada take on the United States, but noted the presence of so many writers, artists and well-wishers from the Hindi community and beyond was a sign of support for the cross-cultural connections Chopra advocates.

"I consider Meena not only a poet and an artist, but a bridge-builder," said Bains of Chopra, who came to Canada in 2004 from her native Nainital.

"She does not recognize any borders - her experiences are universal," agreed Suman K. Ghai, a longtime friend and co-founder of the Hindi Writers Guild. Ghai translated Chopra's poems into English for her second collection, Subah Kaa Suraj Ab Mera Nahin Hai, which was released last weekend.

As well known in art circles for her painting as her poetry - she often combines the two - Chopra's work focuses on the natural and abstractly emotional, showcasing a humanistic philosophy she also applies to her personal life.

"My husband (Bhupindar Virdi) is a Sikh, I'm a Punjabi Hindu. But we don't follow (religions); we are art people, so art is the religion," explained Chopra who, with Virdi, also operates Cross Currents, a not-for-profit initiative that promotes multiculturalism through art.

Chopra's latest collection blends her two worlds.

- Metroland News Service