Community Connection
Mrs Krissondai Hazarie, also known as Aunty Florrie, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2011 in the company of her children and with the chanting of prayers.
Aunty Florrie was a lady of immense faith who devoutly practised her Hindu religion, loved and served God fervently, and was kind, considerate, supportive and giving to all His creations. Quietly, her life's work came to a dignified end at about 8 o'clock in the evening of May 16 last.
It is no coincidence that Aunty Florrie was born on Christmas day as she was indeed a generous person whose love knew no boundaries. Her home was a welcome sanctuary for many a weary traveller who needed a meal, a bed, a shilling, a word of encouragement, or a road map of life. No one was ever a stranger; no judgments were passed, no sentences meted out. Family, people, help, humility, kindness, love – are some of the key elements of the legacy that Aunty Florrie has left.
Reading her eulogy, Kenty Khan said, "I encourage us all to think about this and determine the beauty and enormous potential of her gift. Her journey in this sphere is now complete – and as her faith promises – she embarks on another one. "
Kenty remarked that one of her precepts was "not what you have but it's you give that matters." She has certainly given and now she is set to garner her heavenly rewards. "
Krissondai got married to Muniram Hazarie on September 16, 1941, just 3 months short of her 18th birthday, and bore him 5 children - Hardatt, Ramesh, Bishnue, Yvonne and Rohit. She was the grandmother of 10 and great grandmother of four whom she all loved unconditionally and whose love was reciprocated. Her husband passed away on June 7, 1984.
Krissondai was the 5th child among 11 children, which included 7 sisters and 4 brothers born to her parents Inder and Jagdai Singh of Windsor Forest, Guyana. She is survived by 4 of her sisters - Aunty Gallo, Aunty Rajo, Aunty Jayo and Aunty Soscilla who were present at her funeral.
Aunty Florrie left a successful family, social, and business life in Guyana and preceded her husband to Canada in 1975 where the final chapters in the lives of these two remarkable people were then written.
By Arti Panday
Around 80 youths between the ages of 6 and 15 years old graced the stage of the Devi Mandir on May 29 as they took part in the 2011 Baal Vikaas Celebration.
After a term of hard work and dedication, which spans the same length as the school year, the Baal Vikaas students of Devi Mandir came together to present a cultured evening filled with religious teachings and artistic talent.
The third annual celebration was organized by Devi Dyal and Mani Rampersaud, two of the teachers for the Baal Vikaas program.
The program is split into three groups, ages 6-8, 9-12, and 12-15. The oldest youths in the third group took part in a transfer ceremony where they were presented with a few items to commemorate their graduation into the Devi Mandir Youth Group. Community involvement, recreation, and education are the focus of the youth group.
From the inception of the ceremony, the children from the program were excited to participate.
"When they heard that we were planning the program, the kids wanted to volunteer to dance and perform," said Devi Dyal.
From the fashion show that displayed the various traditional wear, to the emcees providing structure for the celebration, the youth from the Baal Vikaas program produced a highly entertaining and informative show.
With the acknowledgement of the parents who unfailingly get their children to temple for class and the students who work tirelessly to learn and implement their knowledge in their everyday lives, the awards celebration came to a close.
The parents of the Devi Mandir also gave a humble thanks to the dedicated teachers, who give up their Sunday service to educate the youth.
The youth are excited to continue their program and look forward to the new faces that will be joining them.
By Adit Kumar
"I believe the best acknowledgement that anyone can have is an acknowledgement by his peers and community".
This was the sentiment expressed by former Guyana Consul General, Mr Danny Doobay, who was honoured by the Guyana Festival Committee at its 45th Independence Anniversary Dinner and Dance held last Saturday evening at the Empire Banquet Hall. And it was indeed a true acknowledgement by his peers and community as a capacity crowd turned up to grace the occasion and wish him well.
In his remarks on receiving the award, Mr Doobay noted that over the years he has received many accolades but "the acknowledgement by my own community, you the leaders, the activists, the business community that has supported us over the years means so much more to me than all of those put together...". He was presented with a crystal plaque by David Adams and Yvonne Bobb, Co-Chairs of the Guyana Festival on behalf of the committee for his leadership and sterling contribution to the Festival Committee over the years.
While accepting the honour bestowed on him by the Festival Committee he gracefully stressed that "the leadership was more a collective one between the Consulate, our community activists, our business community and our organization leadership." He expressed the view that the partnership between these segments of the community "has made us the strongest Diaspora community outside Guyana." He noted that "you all have played a role in the accomplishments of the Festival Committee - the Guyana Awards, the cross Canada celebrations... you have given the Diaspora something to hold on to." He mentioned similar programs being run in London, England, New York, Florida and across Canada celebrating our people, our culture and our country. "Today I say to you as we move forward I believe that the best tribute that we can give to what was accomplished over the last 12 years is to continue with the Guyana Festival, the Guyana Awards, the Cross Canada celebrations and all the other programs" that are organized for this event. He pledged to work with the committee next year to ensure the celebrations in Toronto continue.
Acting Consul General, Mrs Sattie Sawh, in her opening remarks commenting on the significant role Mr Doobay has played in the Festival Committee said, "Mr Doobay has captained this ship through every journey it has taken and he had done so with pride. His hard work, dedication, energy and guidance have all been instrumental in helping to make the Guyana Festival a successful event."
She also took the opportunity to once again welcome High Commissioner, Harry Narine Nawbatt to the country and said she looked forward to the continued excellent relationship the High Commission has shared with the Toronto Consulate and community. Mrs Sawh also extended greetings to the community on the occasion of Guyana's 45th Independence.
Mr Nawbatt in his remarks also thanked Mr Doobay for his "yeomen service to the Guyanese community in Toronto and other parts of Canada." He congratulated him for the award he has received. Mr Nawbatt also thanked the many organizations and Guyanese community for the work they have done for their country and also looked forward to their continued support. He brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Guyana on the occasion of Guyana's 45th Anniversary of Independence.
The evening's proceedings was emceed by Rahana Khan of the Festival Committee. Following the presentations and formalities the dance floor quickly filled up as DJ Jones played nostalgic melodies that many in the audience could relate to especially the segments by Guyanese artistes.
Melissa and Surendra after their wedding last Saturday at the Arya Samaj Mandir/Vedic Cultural Centre in Markham. Melissa is the daughter of Mangal and Soni Bisnauth while Surendra is the son of Fred and Roma Charran. Hundreds of friends and family, some coming from overseas, were on hand to witness the marriage ceremony which was conducted by Pandit Deroop Misir Benimadhu.
A sumptuous reception was held at the Embassy Grand Convention Centre the following day.
Congratulations rang out to Mrs Rosaline Wong and Savitri Jaglall who celebrated their 80th and 75th birthdays respectively two Sundays ago with a prayer service at the Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre.
Hundreds of friends and relatives joined them to observe their special occasion. The service was conducted by Pt Virjanand Jaglall, son of Mrs Savitri Jaglall, while Pt Devanand Ramoutar emceed the program which included lots of bhajans dedicated to the occasion.
Rosaline is the mother of seven children, 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She thanks God for blessing her with reaching this milestone. Her children and grandchildren also treated her to a special dinner at a Gerrard Street restaurant the following day where she was guest of honour.
Mrs Savitri Jaglall is the mother of 5 children and 8 grandchildren. She says it feels good to reach 75 and looks forward to many more birthdays. She is grateful to God for blessing her with good health.
Queen's College of Guyana Alumni Association (Toronto) will be hosting its Annual Father's Day Brunch on June 12, 2011 from 12 noon to 5 pm. at Cedarbrook Community Centre
91 Eastpark Blvd, Scar (off Markham Rd, S of Lawrence Ave E). Excellent Guyanese cuisine, door prizes, plus a variety of entertainment for all ages. Tickets: Adults - $25.00; Children under 12 years old - $15.00. Call: Gerald Alleyne (416) 693-5011, Patrick Chan (416) 686-8835, Eden Gajraj (416) 822-2526, Denis Chow Woon ( 905 ) 472-1576, Lester Fernandes (905) 571-3571, Vivian Wong (416)724-5937, Stanley Chan Choong (416) 499-1787, Audrick Chung (905) 839-6816, Melissa Enmore 647-207- 6355, Haroon Gafur (416) 667-8484, Ron Wharton (519) 756-6731 Syed Rayman ( 416) 284-1055, Victor Moses (905) 791-3412, Kemahl Khan (416) 267-7227.
Toronto Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre will host its 14th Annual Multi Kunda Yajna on Sunday June 5 at 4345 14th Avenue, Markham. The event will also witness the honoring of senior members. Assembly time is 9 am, program starts at 9:30 and bhojan is at 12:30 pm. Officiating Purohit is Dr Satish Prakash of the Maharshi Dayanand Gurukul of New York. To reserve your spot, contact: Sat Sarju: 416-494-3864; Dave Ramoutar: 416-663-4037; Amar Umadas: 905-471-5168;
Vidyarthi Sriram: 416-754-3448; Pandita Jasodra: 416-287-0330; Joe Jaglall: 416-464-3338 or Doodie Ross: 416-412-2169.