On October 28, 2018 NYCO presented a cultural event celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi with over 200 attendees at the Radha Krishna Temple located at 1960 Ellesmere Road, Toronto from 11:30 am till 1:30 pm.
The Radha Krishna temple was transformed into a mini Gandhi Ashram with beautiful hut in a corner decorated with mud walls, hay stacks and Rangoli. There were many enlarged photos of Gandhiji, alongside with props that would remind you of India before the Independence.
There were performances by children, young adults and adults including, skits, singing and dancing. NYCO invited participants for an Art competition focusing on AHIMSA in three age categories. Group 1: Under 10, Group 2: Under 17 and Group 3: Above 17.
“I thank all volunteers and my team, who worked hard for past few weeks to put this show together,” said Chintan Bhavsar, President of NYCO.
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The event emcee Maharshi Bhavsar gracefully invited the Guest of Honor Mr. Dinesh Bhatia, Consulate General of India for lighting the lamp ceremony along with other VIP guests in attendance, namely: Shri Hardeep Singh – Vice Consul, the two judges Ms. Neelam Panditpautra of Radio Muskaan on 1650 AM, and internationally celebrated, multiple award-winning media personality, Mr. Tushar Unadkat.
There were traditional chants in the air, media in attendance and a strong sense of community in the room. Mr. D P Singh – Consul (Press/Inf. & CW), Mr. Mahesh Chawla – Consul (Admin) & DDO & Culture, Mr. Sanjay (Assistant Section Officer) attended the celebrations as well.
After performing both Indian and Canadian National Anthem, there were recitation of famous poems/songs that had the spirit of patriotism and considered Gandhiji’s favourite including the popular Vaishnava Jan Bhajan sung by Ms. Varsha Shukla accompanied by on tabla Harshad Gandhi and on harmonium Vinod Patel.
“Consulate of India has a plan of celebrating the 150th birthday of Mahatama Gandhi all through the year with events every month to reinforce the education of sacrifices, non-violence and vistory into the coming generations” said Mr. Dinesh Bhatia, Consulate General of India.
Mr. Shailesh Mehta dressed as Mahatama Gandhi became an exciting photo opportunity for children and adults, all through the afternoon.
Dharmendra Patel displayed a Gandhiji stamp collection. Ramnarine Sahadeo spoke regarding a book he is writing on Gandhiji and offered free book mark to all.
No community event is possible without the generous support of the sponsors and NYCO committee members, Chintan Bhavsar, Praful Bhavsar, Nimesh Sondeva, Ketan Gandhi are grateful to Sudeep Varma (Connexions Telecom Ltd.), Ken Bhavsar (Canadian Migration Services Inc.), Mihir Bhatt (Continental Motor).
NYCO appreciates the greetings from MPP Raymond Cho and support of other community members including Mr. Gokul Khatri, Ruchi Pandya, Deepika and Anil Patel, Mr. Sharma and his son Rajiv Sharma from the temple. Thanks to event photographer Nisarg Media Production and MUKTA Advertising for media support.
At the end, scrumptious Indian lunch was served for all.
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