Greater Toronto
Heritage program
(Photo by Winston Ramjeet)
By Adit Kumar
Vedic Cultural Centre (VCC) observed a number of milestones at its Annual South Asian Heritage program which was held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at its premises, 4345-14th Avenue, Markham. The multi faceted program recognized the 100th Anniversary of the end of Indentureship, Canada’s 150th Anniversary, the 179th Anniversary of Indian Indentureship to the West Indies and the 19th successive year that the VCC was hosting this educational program. At the event Dr Mohan Ragbeer’s book, India "Under Seige, the Enemy Within" was also launched. An informative magazine published by the VCC was also released for the occasion.
The Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti, presented certificates of appreciation to the VCC and to Dr Ragbeer at the event. The VCC certificate read in part: “We appreciate your efforts in creating awareness to this period in history and recognizing the contributions of the Indo-Canadians in celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary”. Dr Ragbeer’s certificate congratulated him on the publication and launch of his book.
The City of Markham also supported the program financially.
Guyana Consul Mishelle Butters, MPP Michael Chan, Deputy Mayor of Markham, Jack Heath and several councillors from the City of Markham were also in attendance.
Butters in her remarks said, “With the growing opportunities of the north coupled with personal issues, many families migrated to the West; and from generation to generation, distinguished themselves in areas of Medicine, Science, Education, Diplomacy, Politics and many others careers that were made available to immigrants. As a result, countries in the North were and still are benefiting from the reservoir of experience, knowledge and wisdom that your predecessors and you have garnered over the years”.
Ms Butters went on to say, “It would be a great omission, if I do not highlight that some descendants have strong interest in connecting with their predecessors’ homeland and life in the West”.
Vedic Cultural Centre (VCC) observed a number of milestones at its Annual South Asian Heritage program which was held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at its premises, 4345-14th Avenue, Markham. The multi faceted program recognized the 100th Anniversary of the end of Indentureship, Canada’s 150th Anniversary, the 179th Anniversary of Indian Indentureship to the West Indies and the 19th successive year that the VCC was hosting this educational program. At the event Dr Mohan Ragbeer’s book, India "Under Seige, the Enemy Within" was also launched. An informative magazine published by the VCC was also released for the occasion.
The Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti, presented certificates of appreciation to the VCC and to Dr Ragbeer at the event. The VCC certificate read in part: “We appreciate your efforts in creating awareness to this period in history and recognizing the contributions of the Indo-Canadians in celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary”. Dr Ragbeer’s certificate congratulated him on the publication and launch of his book.
The City of Markham also supported the program financially.
Guyana Consul Mishelle Butters, MPP Michael Chan, Deputy Mayor of Markham, Jack Heath and several councillors from the City of Markham were also in attendance.
Butters in her remarks said, “With the growing opportunities of the north coupled with personal issues, many families migrated to the West; and from generation to generation, distinguished themselves in areas of Medicine, Science, Education, Diplomacy, Politics and many others careers that were made available to immigrants. As a result, countries in the North were and still are benefiting from the reservoir of experience, knowledge and wisdom that your predecessors and you have garnered over the years”.
Ms Butters went on to say, “It would be a great omission, if I do not highlight that some descendants have strong interest in connecting with their predecessors’ homeland and life in the West”.
An elaborate exhibition highlighting the experiences of the indentured immigrants was also on display and drew rave reviews from attendees.
Aditya Prashad was on hand to offer explanations to many, who were intrigued by his artistry and historical details shown in his exhibits. Many nostalgic pictures capturing how life of the immigrants evolved from the 19th century plantations state to present day, were also on display. The contributions of the Indians to the development of Guyana were also featured.
In addition, Dr Narendra Singh and health studies graduate student, Reena Singh, hosted a health awareness booth offering valuable information on how to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent the onset of diabetes and other diseases that South Asians are prone to.
Aditya Prashad was on hand to offer explanations to many, who were intrigued by his artistry and historical details shown in his exhibits. Many nostalgic pictures capturing how life of the immigrants evolved from the 19th century plantations state to present day, were also on display. The contributions of the Indians to the development of Guyana were also featured.
In addition, Dr Narendra Singh and health studies graduate student, Reena Singh, hosted a health awareness booth offering valuable information on how to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent the onset of diabetes and other diseases that South Asians are prone to.
The lower hall exhibition was followed by a cultural program and keynote address in the upper hall. Many youths demonstrated their talent in song and dance. The songs, which ranged from current Bollywood hits to taan and other oral traditions that survived the passage of time, were done by Ajay Maharaj, Devindra Ramoutar, Priya Ramoutar and Narain Ramdowar, while dances were done by Stefani Jodhan of Iconic Dance School. Devindra Ramoutar and Vishal Dharamdas also supported the singers on the dholak. Poet Peter Jailall also read poetry in his characteristic style, while keynote speaker, Dr Mohan Ragbeer spoke on the 100th Anniversary of end of Indentureship.
The organizing committee has already started planning next year’s program which will be observing the 180th Anniversary of Indian Immigration to the West Indies. Plans are in a preliminary stage to present a stage drama based on the immigration experience.
For further information contact this writer at 647-866-1926.
The organizing committee has already started planning next year’s program which will be observing the 180th Anniversary of Indian Immigration to the West Indies. Plans are in a preliminary stage to present a stage drama based on the immigration experience.
For further information contact this writer at 647-866-1926.
