Community Connection
Pix by Adit Kumar
Pix by Adit Kumar
Anil and Penny exchanged marriage vows on December 19, 2008 in a Hindu marriage ceremony that was followed by a traditional Greek wedding. A reception for the couple was held at the Grand Baccus Banquet Hall with friends and families in attendance. Anil is the son of Devika and Balram Brijmongol while Penny is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Galineas.
Pix by Adit Kumar
Golden Agers hold Annual Christmas celebration
The well attended event saw members greeting each other with love and later dancing to live music provided by the popular music maestros David Singh and Bhowan Maraj.
The ICGAA has been providing a meeting place for about 300 seniors for the past 16 years.
Other occasions celebrated by the group include Valentine's Day, Phagwah, Eid, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Diwali and bus trips to various places of interest.
Last year the Association collaborated with the Vishnu Mandir to host a Chowtal competition which they plan to do again on an even larger scale.
The ICGAA thanks the community for its support which has enabled them to meet and make friendships with support groups as well as participate in community events that help them to integrate into the Canadian society.
Christina: stunningly versatile and accomplished
Dimunitive and accomplished musician and singer Miss Christina Raykha
Pix by Manshad Mohamed
Pix by Manshad Mohamed
Ever so often, a student of Indian music grows up to be stunningly versatile and accomplished so much so that they can control a jam-packed programme with ease and understanding. They can function as the Master of Ceremonies and also perform as a singer of class and a harmonium player all in one evening. Such a phenomenon is Miss Christina Raykha, sister of tabla player Michael Raykha. They are both students of the Saaz O Aawaaz Academy of Music based in Brampton and led by Shri Dev Bansraj Ramkissoon.
Born in Toronto of Guyanese parents - dad is Parmanand of Berbice and mom, Urmilla of Annandale - Christina attended Huntington Ridge Public School in Mississauga and later, the University of Western Ontario, from where she graduated with a Science degree in bio-chemistry. This is a stepping stone to getting into a medical school, her preference being Mc Master in Hamilton .
To match this academic success, Christina also enrolled in the Saaz O Aawaaz Academy of Music and distinguished herself as one of the school's best students of all times. She has attained her Diplomas with honours and distinction. She spoke of the hardships she encountered in the early stages. She was discouraged at first but by constant practice, she is now getting praises for her efforts. This is positive reinforcement that has helped to move her efforts along.
"I am fortunate to have the greatest Guruji teaching me. He has the patience to listen to my practices and make appropriate suggestions for improvement. He knows what he is doing and serves as a role model for his many students" Christina said.
She attened classes one day per week but spent the other days practising at home accompanied by her talented tabla player brother, Michael.
Chris is now trained in classical music complete with taans. She also sings filmy songs and Bhajans with ease and understanding.Chris has some advice for her fellow students and that is, to use music and practise to relieve stress. It works for her, she says, as it involves emotional, spiritual and physical activities."You get a good confidence booster from your Music Teacher and from listeners," she opines. "This leads to a high self-esteem. You can make your parents proud, for the endless hours of driving you to practise, shows etc."
In this case music, with the Saaz O Aawaaz Academy of Music has become a family affair.Christina has also now become a role model for other students at the school.
HCI appeals for funds to help crises situations
"Their situation is desperate as essentials of food, medical supplies and water are being used up and not replaced. There is also need for blankets and baby supplies. We urgently need your financial support to help these people," the two officials appealed.
Meanwhile, other HCI charitable projects continue. In the Child Sponsorship programmes, the following countries have benefited so far: Afghanistan ($30M), Bangladesh ($30M), Bosnia ($60M), Guyana ($30M), Lebanon($68M), Pakistan ($30M), Palestine ($60M), Somalia (30M) and Sudan ($30M).Donations are tax deductible.