Hindu Cultural Society/Lakshmi Narayan Mandir celebrated 65th Anniversary of India’sIndependenceatAlbert Campbell Square,ScarboroughCivicCenter, Scraborough.

Celebrations started with beautiful dance performances by Kanan Bhatt’s Nritya Kala

Mandir students. Sohan Lal Kauden, Chair of Board of Trustees, Hindu Cultural Society(HCS),welcomed all.

Naval Grotra, President (HCS), highlighted significance of Indian Independence Day  and summarized  aims, objectives and achievements of Hindu Cultural Society, which included establishment ofComputerLearning & ResourceCenterat Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation. Flag hoisting ceremony was performed by the VIPs.

Councillor Raymond Cho sponsored the event. Participation  of political elites  from all levels with  powerful messages centered on preservation of cultural heritage ;  ever growing India-Canada bilateral  relations and recognition of  contributions  of Indo-Canadians  to  different sectors  of  Canada’s development .On behalf of HCS, Naval Grotra presented a check of $5,000 to Catherine Craine (representing Rouge Valley Health System Foundation),who highly appreciated the gesture of goodwill ,care and compassion.

Margarett Beth (Hon.Minister of Consumer Services);Rathika Sitsabaissan (M.P.); Roxana James(M.P.); Bas Balkisson (M.P.P.); Councillor Raymond Cho and Councillor  Chin Lee   graced the occasion .Hon.Minister Margarett Beth and Hon.Bas Bal Kisson awarded plaques (given by Hindu Cultural Society) to the sponsors and supporters of the event respectively. Congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Harper,Premier McGuinty,Minister of Immigration & Citizenship,Jason Kenney and PC Leader Tim Hudak ; were read by their representatives.Paul Sayal, a well known Indo-Canadian philanthropist,and Dr.Shivani Sharma,one of the great supporters of HCS,gave speeches suited to the occasion.