Greater Toronto

The Pranav Ashram handed out five Community Awards and three Student Scholarships at its 12th Annual pre-Divali Gala and fundraiser on October 15, 2011.
Plaques recognizing the work of community members were presented to the Hon. Judy A. Sgro, MP (York West); Mrs. Indranie Gayadeen, Philanthropist, Social & Religious Worker; Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating Officer of Vision Television; Bob Dosanjh, Producer and Host of Sanjha Punjab Radio and Television; and Ramesh Ramkalawan, Editor-Videographer of Pranav's Ashram Television program "Reflections of Hinduism".
Cheques were also handed out to this year's Student Scholarship Awardees as follows: Amanda Persaud (Sugrim Kissoon Annual Scholarship); Michael Surajpaul (Dhaman Kissoon Annual Scholarship); and Ashti Purushuttam (Pranav Ashram Annual Scholarship).
The evening's program was well attended by Ashram members as well as supporters from fraternal organizations, political parties, and the professional and business community.
The event was also a fundraiser for the Ashram, the proceeds this year going towards paying scholarship bursaries in Guyana, India and Canada and also helping to fund the Pranav Heritage classes.
In her presentation, the Hon. Judy Sgro recognized that there was lot of love emanating from Swami Bhajananandaji who runs the Heritage Classes.
Mr Bas Balkissoon, MPP Scarborough Rouge-River, commended the organization for its lines of activities and guidance leading to "moral and spiritual regeneration and support of the people in need."
Children of the Ashram's Music Class performed brilliantly, notably Denece Chanderpaul and Reshmi Geer. This stirred Dr Budhendra Doobay of the Vishnu Mandir to pledge a donation of $1000 towards the continuation of this art form.
Sat Purushuttam, President of the Ashram made an appeal for donations while outlining some the future plans of the Ashram that includes the purchase the adjacent property.