By Adit Kumar
Toronto — Guyana born philanthropist, David Singh, was bestowed with the distinguished title of Dharam Vir, Champion of Social Causes Worldwide, at the Voice of the Vedas (VoV) Diwali Gala and Fund Raiser held at the Pearson Convention Centre on November 8, 2008.
Dr Budhendra Doobay, in introducing the evening’s honoree said, “David Singh came to Canada with a few dollars in his pocket and washed dishes to support his education, and today he has risen to the position where he now gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity not only in Canada but around the world.”
David graciously accepted the award stating that he is "grateful, honored and will forever be thankful" for the recognition. David, who is very passionate about his charitable work, told the audience that “there is so much suffering in the world today and unless you and I commit to do whatever we can to alleviate suffering and poverty, history will not judge us kindly.”
He urged everybody to do whatever they can to lessen the problems around the world, noting that “physical and sexual abuse against women and children has become the number one area of organized crime around the world,” stemming from poverty. He went on to say that he has three objectives in life, “one, to become the very best in what I do, two, to do whatever I can to assist others to become the very best also and, three, to commit myself to do whatever I can to make the whole world a better place.”
And his 7-year old daughter, Julia Singh, mimicking her father's charitable disposition, donated $300 which she raised from selling her dad’s books, saying to Dr Doobay, “…when I grow up I would like to be just like you and my daddy to help others.”
David’s comments on the wider role politicians should play in the battle against poverty won favourable attention from MPs Peter Kent and Michael Ignatief who made reference to his remarks about the obligations of politicians when they spoke.
The award, a 24-carat gold medal, was presented to David Singh by last year’s awardee, Ramesh Chotai and Minister of Natural Resources, Lisa Raitt, on behalf of the VoV.
Minister Raitt read a message from Prime Minister Steven Harper, extending warm greetings to the South Asian community on the occasion of Diwali. Appropriately, she opened her talk by chanting the first few words of the Gayatri Mantra and spoke appreciatively of the South Asian Community.
“Canada’s success is rooted in our shared values...the hard work and devotion to family and community. Canada’s over one million people of Indian descent are at the forefront of our national effort to build an even better future for generations to come, and I want to thank you all for what you have done for our great country,” Minister Raitt said.
MP Peter Kent, Michael Ignatief and MPP Bas Balkissoon also spoke, extending Diwali greetings to the community acknowledging that the festival has become an important celebration in the Canadian mosaic. They also congratulated the Vishnu Mandir in undertaking the building of a seniors home which will cater for members of the South Asian community. MPP Balkissoon said that he has visited several Seniors' Homes and knows that there is need for one such for people of South Asian descent.
The proposed Seniors’ Home, referred to as Anand Bhavan (Home of Bliss), will be built in the compound adjacent to the Vishnu Mandir. Upon completion it will provide accommodation for 35 seniors. Construction is expected to start next February. Steve Gupta, Chairman of the Anand Bhavan committee said the $3M project will be one of its kind in Toronto. He said they have already raised $100,000 and appealed for donations towards this worthy cause.
Dr Doobay, in his appeal for funds, said that he set a target of $40,000 for the evening and had received only $6,000 so far. Before long, he returned to the microphone to announce that Navin Chandaria had made up for the deficit of $34,000.
The elaborate event won the support of many corporate and private sponsors.
Also receiving recognition at the function for their volunteer and dedicated services to the Vishnu Mandir were Deepak Bhayani, Pt Jai Purshotam, Parbatie Singh and Purnima Singh, while Naresh Jain was recognized for his contribution to the Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization.
The evening’s program was chaired by philanthropist and friend of the Vishnu Mandir, Dr Jaya Chanchalani who is also a major donor to the Trillium Hospital. Executive Vice President of Vishnu Mandir, Krishna Misir, welcomed the over 800 guests who turned up for the event, and thanked them for their support.
The dinner program also featured lots of entertainment by talented artistes who excelled in songs, music, dance and modeling. Dance teachers Hemant and Vaishali presented some stunning kathak dances, Shiamak Davar International demonstrated their choreographic creativity with Bollywood style dances, the Voice of Vedas Sangeet Academy provided classical dancing to a popular filmi song and Sudhir Narain proved his versatility with a variety of beautiful songs. The SAMA models added to the ambience with their catchy outfits to complete the stage presentations.
For more information or to donate to the project, contact Robin Doobay at 905 886 1724 or visit the website: www.vishnumandir.com.

Readers Response >