By Adit Kumar
Five organizations joined hands last Sunday to celebrate India’s 62nd Republic Anniversary at the Vedic Cultural Centre in Markham with a grand cultural program.
The variety program captured the sentiments of the occasion taking on a patriotic theme with items showcasing unity in diversity in India.
There was no shortage of talent as the youths of Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre, Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre, the Rajasthan Association of North America, the Agarwals based in Canada and the Yogpreet of Canada teamed up to captivate the audience with their specially choreographed items.
Opening with the national anthems of Canada and India the program quickly moved on to paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi followed by the dance items.
Among the items presented was the nationalistic song Vande Mataram done in classical style by the Sanatan Mandir, while the Yogpeet of Canada did yoga demonstrations confirming the growing popularity of yoga in this part of the world. A folk dance was presented by the Rajasthani group while the Agarwal group showcased the garba style of dance. The host organization Arya Samaj of Markham presented a dance skit capturing the story of India’s triumph in unifying dissenting groups after attaining Independence in 1947.
All the items were presented with high energy reflecting the gaiety of the celebration and were greeted with loud applauses.
Several dignitaries joined the celebration including the Honourable John McCallum, Minister Michael Chan, MPP Gerry Phillips who read a message on behalf of the Premier Dalton McGuinty, India’s Consul General Preeti Saran and Inspector Ricky Veerappan who brought greetings on behalf of York Region Chief of Police Eric Jolliffe.
Premier McGuinty’s message echoed the sentiment of celebrating Ontario's uniqueness and embracing its diversity. It emphasized that the province’s Indo-Canadian community "is a vital part of that cherished diversity, and has done much to enhance the social, cultural and economic life of Ontario.”
Other messages recognized India’s growing influence in the world with MP John McCallum referencing one statistic in which he said that people of Indian origin make up 43% of NASA’s staff. York Region’s Chief of Police in his message paid “tribute to the rich culture, literary heritage and the many contributions of our Indian Community in the shaping of our multicultural mosaic of Canada.” India’s rise as an economic powerhouse was also referenced by other speakers.
The program was emceed by Yatika Kohli of Arya Samaj Markham. Attendees were treated to a sumptuous meal at the end of the show.

 

By Adit Kumar
The Toronto Community is being asked to throw its support behind a very deserving cause. Your help could give 3-month old Sachin Singh, a chance to make it in life.
Sachin, of Kitty Village, Guyana, was born with a congenital heart disease that requires surgical procedures not available in that country. He needs to go overseas for urgent treatment to avoid any deterioration in his condition.
John Persaud of Superbuilt Shutters, told Indo Caribbean World that when he and his wife Janet heard about Sachin’s case they were touched and decided to do something to help. They contacted Jeanette Singh of the Three Rivers Kids Foundation who is set to take 15 kids to India for treatment on February 14, 2011. Jeanette, through her contacts, was able to get Sachin to line up with that group but funds for his trip would have to be raised urgently as he was a last minute addition. The cost for travel, surgery, and hospital bill for his treatment would be approximately US$15,000 which his family can ill afford. This sum also includes the cost of hospital bills in Guyana and for an adult to accompany the child to India. Sachin would be arriving in Canada on February 11, 2011 en route to India.
John and Janet, through their social network, started soliciting funds to meet Sachin's medical expenses. They contacted Radio and TV host Richard Azeez who immediately agreed to promote the cause on his TV and Radio shows. John said that Richard showed a photograph of the kid on his TV program which generated a lot of responses. That was followed by a live Radio-Thon on Shabnam Radio broadcast on AM 770 and on the internet on January 15, 2011 with John and Janet making appeals to the public. A total of $12,000 was pledged by callers with $2,000 coming from a single pledge by Shakier Alladeen.
At the same time, resturateur Kishore Totaram of Coconuts Restaurant at Keele Street and Steeles Ave offered his premises for a fund raising brunch which was held on Sunday, January 16, 2011. Through ticket sales and donations $3,300 was raised from that event.
John stated that he is still in the process of collecting the pledges and has so far received and handed over $6,500 to the Three Rivers Kids Foundation. He said that anyone who may be interested in making a donation can contact him or Janet at 416- 239-2863. John stated that any funds collected in excess of the amount required for Sachin would be left with the Three Rivers Kids Foundation to continue with its charitable and humanitarian work. Tax-deductible receipts would be issued to donors through the Three Rivers Foundation.

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