ABM College of Health and Technology held its first PSW Graduation Ceremony on July 6, 2011 at the Columbus Event Center in Toronto. The 31 graduating students have now stepped out into their professional life as Personal Support Workers and will take up positions in hospitals, nursing homes and as care givers in the community. In picture are the graduating students with Mr Mohammed Baten, head of the College and Mike Colle, MPP sitting in the front row, centre.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi is organising the following Know India Programme (KIP) during 2011-2012, as per the following schedule:
18th KIP: Tentative period - 21st September – 11th October 2011; Partner States - Goa/Rajasthan; Last date for receipt of nominations in the MOIA - 8th August 2011.
19th KIP: Tentative period - 21st December 2011 -10th January 2012; Partner States - Rajasthan; Last date for receipt of nominations in the MOIA - 15th October 2011.
The participants would be provided:
(i) 90% of the international airfare by the cheapest economy class travel to be reimbursed to the participants after they had successfully taken part.
(ii) Local hospitality including boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels.
(iii) Internal travel as per the programme
(iv) Per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- for out-of-pocket expenses.
The Programme is open to youth of Indian Origin (excluding NRIs) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to start. It is open to PIOs from all over the world.
Details of the Programme, its Guidelines and application form are posted on http://www.cgitoronto.ca and http://knowindiaprogram.com
Interested candidates are requested to get in touch with Ms. D. Charandasi, Consul(Info/OCI) & HOC, Consulate General of India, Toronto (Tel: 416-925-3230;or Email to conshoc@cgitoronto.cawith copy to infosec@cgitoronto.ca

By David Latchana

The thoughts of Albion always evoke happy feelings in our minds. It's the place where many of us had our upbringing and earned our livelihoods, where we lived like brothers and sisters and helped each other before we made our way overseas. Regardless of where we live at the moment, be it across the border in the USA, in the UK or elsewhere, that bond of love which held us together in Albion is still evidenced when we meet.
And so it was on Saturday, July 2 at this year's Albion Community Picnic in the Wildwood Park in Malton, Ontario. About 2,500 persons from Albion and surrounding areas in Berbice came armed with food baskets, chairs, music and mats and shared sweetmeats and the typical Albion camaraderie.
In the shady comfort of the Park's building, hundreds of hot dogs, fish-and-bread and several pots of cook-up rice were prepared and distributed. Soft drinks and water were available and hot, sizzling and tantalizing Indian music kept the atmosphere lively. Both young and old took turns on the dance floor.
It was an enjoyable day that stretched late into the evening and one that has rekindled sweet and happy memories.
A raffle was held with some great prizes such as a 32" flat screen TV which will assist with the costs for next year's picnic.
The organizing committee will certainly feel rewarded for their efforts, among them, Ramesh Ramjit and wife Bibi, Andrew Ramsammy and wife Latchmi, Bob Singh, Kheyume Ibrahim and Rajin Singh.

Numbers 66-74 Villages on the Corentyne will be holding their annual summer picnic on Saturday July 23 at the Meadowvale Conservation Area, Old Derry Rd and Mavis Rd, Mississauga. Info contact 416-747-9428.

Multi Kund Hawan 10.00am -12.00 noon, Sunday July 31st at Wildwood Park, Derry Rd & Goreway Dr. Malton. Bhajans by Guyanese, Trinidadians & Indian singers from12.00-9.00pm. Music By: Melody Masters, Admission Free. Info: 905-673-3068, 416-746-9372, 905-792-1204.

Sunday July 24 from 9:30 am to 12 noon at Morningside Park, Firepit #4. Bring prasad or flowers for offering and chair/blanket for sitting. For information, contact: Pt. Laikram Tiwari (416) 451-7716; Pt. Rudy Tiwari (905) 683-1436; Yasmin Rupnarine (416) 287-8117/416-775-7246 (yrupnarine@deloitte.ca).

19th Annual Mahaica Day Picnic, Sunday July 24/2011, 1:00 p.m. to 8: 00 p.m., Milne Dam Conservancy Park, Lakeview "A " Area, Markham (Mccowan Road, South of Highway 7). Bring your picnic baskets and enjoy a day of fun, ole time gaff and fun in the sun. Lots of prizes, draws, gifts and events for kids of all ages. Info: Karran Rajkumar 416-464-9974, Ram Nanhu, National Collision 416-615-3553

Friends of Charity 8th Annual Golf Tournament, Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Deer Creek Golf Club, 2700 Audley Road, Ajax. Lots of prizes and giveaways. Tee off time is 11:00 am. Cost inclusive of green fees, power cart and dinner is $150. Info: Adit Kumar 647-866-1926, Anand Rupnarain 416-917-3841 or Andrew Singh 416-618-3712.