Community Connection
Pranav Ashram held its 3rd annual golf tournament at Royal Golf Club in Oakville on Saturday September 10th, 2011. It was a perfect summer day with a light, gentle breeze and warm bright sunshine. Almost one hundred avid golfers took part in this fundraising event. Everyone played a round of golf and participated in the "putting" contest to win a bicycle. Golfers were treated to a very sumptuous lunch and were delighted to win one of the many raffle prizes including a flat screen television.
This annual golf tournament raises funds to assist in various needs in the community and also contributes to support the ongoing initiatives brought about in the Pranav outreach programs to the Hindu community. Funds raised at this tournament provide financial support to under privileged children in the Indian and Caribbean Diaspora; scholarships are given to deserving children for pursuit of education, music and overall development. Many children are afforded the opportunity to attend primary and secondary school in India, Guyana and other countries. Many children that are unable to afford the cost of pursuing higher education including those who wish to attend university are provided with funds to fulfill their dreams.
Approximately a dozen volunteers came out and helped the organizers to make this event a success. The Kissoon family including Mr. Dhaman Kissoon, Bram, Krishna, Mitra, as well as Mr. Sat Purushuttam and other members of Pranav Ashram's executive committee, worked tirelessly to solicit donations from friends, family and members of the business community.
One of the youth volunteers remarked, "I always watch my parents attend many fundraising events but this golf tournament event gives me a chance to participate in something that I can be proud of and be an integral part of the fundraising process. It is important to me to be a good citizen in our community and be able to make a difference. We are fortunate to be blessed with an abundance of things and being part of an organization that promotes "Seva" is rewarding to us as children. We would like to continue to be ambassadors for the Pranav Ashram Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre and say thanks to the organizing committee for a very successful event."
Swamiji Bhajananandaji Maharaj, spiritual leader of Pranav Ashram expresses his gratitude to all the sponsors who were so generous in their donations and continued support.
(Pix by Adit Kumar)
By Arti Panday
Residents of Newmarket and surrounding areas came together at the Newmarket Theatre on Saturday, September 10, 2011 for the annual South Asian Showcase to raise funds for the Southlake Regional Health Centre.
The entire event was put together by a group of dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly in order to pull off a spectacular day filled with the best of South Asian culture.
"There are three key objectives to the South Asian Showcase: to build on an inclusive Newmarket area community with similar interests in South Asian culture; to give back to a mainstream charity – the Southlake Regional Health Centre; and to identify, showcase and nurture local talent, business and opportunity as much as possible," said organizer Ranji Singh.
Beginning early in the day, the benefit included a South Asian Bazaar which was held directly outside the theatre. The cultural exhibits and good weather attracted a buzzing crowd of 250 to 300 people, including Newmarket mayor Tony Van Bynen.
The bazaar had something for everyone – vendors selling food, textiles, jewelry, henna artistry, ice cream and a "fun area" for the kids.
"We had an idea of what we wanted to do and nothing had ever been done like it," said Ranji Singh. "The Newmarket theatre had never held anything outside so we wanted to create an event unlike any other."
After a busy day, the evening portion of the showcase included performances by a number of talented singers and dancers.
Performances ranged from the house band that performed popular songs to the classical dance style of Mumtaz Ali and Sunaina Jairam.
With an audience of around 150 guests, the Newmarket Theatre was alive with merriment throughout each performance.
Midway through the program, Kathy Proudfoot, a member of the Southlake Regional Health Centre board of directors, acknowledged Ranji Singh, a key sponsor for the event, with a plaque on behalf of the hospital.
The show ran for around two and a half hours ending with a raffle draw for a number of enticing prizes ranging from a gift basket of Mr. Goudas products to a two-night stay at the 1 King West Hotel located in downtown Toronto.
Fundraising for the Southlake Hospital on behalf of the South Asian Showcase is continuing until the end of October. Donations can be made at www.goo.gl/hKxsY.
The volunteer event committee of Vivek Bhatt, Avinash Ramprasad, Roger Singh, Rohan Persaud, Leila Singh, Tammy Brown Hinds, Rick Bhim, and Mina Bajric has already shown a keen interest in next year's program, and has promised a bigger and better event. For more information about the annual South Asian Showcase contact Ranji Singh at 416.801.6756 or Ranji@rogers.com.
(Pix by Adit Kumar)
By Sharada Bhajan
On August 28th 2011 two siblings, Nirbal Kumar and Liloutie Rajcoomar, joined the Toronto Arya Samaj's regular Sunday Havan Satsangh to celebrate their 85th and 75th birth anniversaries respectively. The service was conducted by Pt Sat Sarju, Pt Amar Umadas and Pandita Jasodra Prasad. Nirbal and Liloutie, whose journeys in life represent strength, spiritual fortitude and focus also exemplify the actual meaning of their last name, King or Prince of a Province in India.
Nirbal, the most senior of the Kumar family was born in August, 1926 and is proud that his birthday coincides with India`s independence, while his sister, Liloutie, the only daughter of her parents, also born in August 1936 is happy to share the same day of birth as her granddaughter, Sherry Singh and month of birth of her daughter Shanta Singh.
Nirbal is the father of Prakash, Chitrarekha, Darshanand, Adityanand, (past president and current director of Toronto Arya Samaj and reporter for Indo Caribbean World) and Khemanand, while Liloutie is the mother of four beautiful daughters, Kamlesh, Umesh, Nirmala and Shanta. Nirbal and Liloutie provided the care, upbringing and nurturing of their children who went on to establish themselves in their respective careers in USA, Canada and England where they settled.
Nirbal ran a successful family business in Guyana prior to migrating to Canada in 1987 following the death of his ailing father who had pioneered the business. In Canada he worked at Novopharm and was a well liked employee there who had developed a close relationship with the owner of the company Mr. Leslie Dan. Prior to migrating to Canada, Liloutie had worked as a receptionist and nursing assistant to her brother, Dr Ganraj Kumar, who ran a well respected medical practice in Guyana. In Canada she worked as a Personal Support Worker where she earned tremendous respect of her clients until she retired a few years ago.
In the formative years, Liloutie acting as Mother India played leading roles together with her brother Ganraj who played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in plays/concerts such as Bharat Mata (Mother India), Vitamin Dream, Murkheshwar Raja (The Foolish King), Dasrath Wilaap (The sorrow of King Dasrath).
The Rajkumar family are leading supporters of the Arya Samaj and they continuously inspire others around them especially within the movement. Their conduct are exemplary and reflect their affinity to their religious beliefs and upbringing. Nirbal's and Liloutie's father, Raj Kumar, was a strong community leader in Campbellville, Greater Georgetown, where he served as president of the Campbellville Arya Samaj.
Those assembled for the auspicious milestones extended their good wishes to both celebrants for a healthy and peacely life in the years to come.
By Janet Persaud
Rajpattie Singh, also known as Auntie Ivy, originally of Triumph Village, East Coast Demerara, Guyana recently celebrated her 75th birthday at the Valmiki Ashram at 1720 Midland Avenue with a prayer service conducted by Pandit Vishnu Misra.
Pandit Misra spoke eloquently about Aunty Ivy's dedication, love and appreciation for her religion, her family and friends. The vibration emanating from the service and the accompanying bhajans was indeed inspiring and was shared by family and friends of Aunty Ivy gathered in the temple to witness the celebration.
This special prayer service was organized by Aunty Ivy's children. Her closely knit family consists of her six sons - Baldeo, Ishwar, Dindial, Paul, Randy and Preimo and only daughter Loutie. They took time off to remember the other son Sham Singh who was called away a few years ago. Aunty Ivy also has six daughters-in-law - Savitree, Dhano, Monica, Annett, Babita, and Kavita - ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Although life in Triumph Village was not easy, Aunty Ivy always wore, as she still does today, a pleasant, infectious smile that reminds one of a shining star. She is very humble, kind, generous, loving and caring.
She immigrated to Scarborough, Ontario in May 1991 along with her late husband Karan Singh and was able to see all her children move to North America for a better quality of life.
Auntie Ivy is very much loved by her entire family and all her friends residing in Canada, USA, Guyana, England and Jamaica. They all wish her God's blessings on her 75th birthday and pray that she enjoys a long and happy life.
Singh has lived and worked in the Brampton area for almost thirty years and so is familiar with the issues and concerns affecting the area.
In a release Singh states he is a supporter and member of the NDP since coming to Canada over three decades ago. He "champions the cause for equality and social justice in not only Canada but the whole world," according to the release.
Presidential candidate for Guyana's ruling PPP for the upcoming general elections was in Toronto over the past weekend in company with President Bharrat Jagdeo for fund raising activities. Mr Ramotar held a press conference hosted at the Consulate General's office in Toronto at which Guyana's High Commissioner Mr Harry Nawbatt performed the duties of moderator. Also present were Consul General Sattie Sawh and Guyana's Minister of Housing and Water, Mr Irfaan Ali.
Mr Ramotar told the press that elections would be held "hopefully by end of November." The elections are constitutionally due to be held before December 28, 2011. He pointed out that this election is unique in that "all the parties would be fielding presidential candidates who would be contesting for the first time as presidential candidates." He opined that had the constitution not been changed to limit the term of office of the president to two terms, he is "… certain that Mr Bharat Jagdeo would have been returned as the presidential candidate because of the tremendous work he has done and the popularity he has within the country itself".
Mr Ramoutar lauded the achievements of the PPP government since it took office in 1992. It reduced the per capita debt of the country which he said was one of the highest in the world. The country was using 94% of GDP to service debt which has now been reduced to 4%, Ramoutar contended.
On the role of the Diaspora, he said he would create conditions to facilitate the process for the return of those who want to do so including reducing the red tape.
On violence after the elections Ramotar said he does not foresee that happening. He admits to corruption, crime and narco-trading but said he would strengthen the judicial system to reduce this. He said corruption is being exaggerated and systems such as tendering for projects are in place but need to be strengthened.