Agarwals Based in Canada celebrated Holi at Hindu Heritage Centre, 6300 Mississauga Road. The function attracted extremely good attendance. It included Childrens cultural program, Rangoli competition, Holi songs with Tabla, delicious food with tea and Thandai. For future activities, please contact agarwalsbasedincanada@gmail.com

South Asian Studies Students Association, organized a music and dance exhibition with live performances, displaying the history of the Kathak and Odissi dance traditions, featuring Chitralekha Odissi Dance Creations and Joanna De Souza. This event was a part of the Language Series, which is, inspired by the Bangladeshi nationalist language movements marked by the Feb 21 Language Martyrs’ Day (now International Mother Language Day).

Ritesh Das, founder of Toronto Tabla Ensemble, and disciple of Pt. Swapan Chowdhuri plays a tabla solo, accompanied by Kathak dancer Joanna de Souza. De Souza, a student of Pt. Chitresh Das, demonstrated bol, the spoken language of rhythm in South Asian music traditions| Photo Credit: Naushad Ali Husein

Joanna de Souza and Ritesh Das shared their 20 year old passion and vast experience in north Indian dance and music with audience and students at the Robert Gill Theatre on Friday, Feb 26. .

Joanna de Souza who is perhaps the only Canadian born artist to achieve a Master’s Degree in kathak dance through Prayag Sangit Samiti, Allahabad, India, enchanted the audience. Her study of kathak, which began in 1978, continued under Pandit Chitresh Das. Since her return to Toronto, she has gained reputation as an excellent kathak dancer, teacher and choreographer. Her traditional and collaborative works have earned her a variety of nominations and awards.

Ankita Sarker, student at Chitraleka Odissi Dance Creations demonstrated *abhinaya*, the art of expression and story-telling in the ancient East Indian dance form of Odissi.|Photo Credit: Sanjid Anik

Ritesh Das, composer and musician, has studied tabla with gurus Pandit Shankar Ghosh, Ustad Zakir Hussain and most extensively with Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. He has toured throughout the US, Canada and India, and performed with many of India’s great music and dance innovators. Since moving to Canada, he has established himself as an extraordinary teacher of tabla and founded the Toronto Tabla Ensemble in 1991. His tabla beats inspired the audience and every listener praised his talent.

The event was a great success full of entertainment and social networking. The performances were indeed enchanting and praise-worthy as Globe and Mail described:

“Odissi is considered the most lyrical and sensual of the South Asian dance styles. The art form brings to life temple dance sculptures in a series of beautiful poses linked by intricate footwork and hand movements. Devraj’s clever spin on this living sculpture is to elaborate on traditional Odissi movements-in other words, to make the dance more complicated and ornate, a concept embraced in the word “pallavi”. The “science” part is anchored in the complex mathematics of the musical structure of the raaga, or specific number of beats of the music. The resulting dance is like watching Odissi in fast-forward. Traditional poses flash by like telephone poles from a passing car, while the siblings execute Devraj’s demanding physicality with awesome speed.”

Thaevening the audience experienced their magical performance and later networked with others who share their interest.

By staff writer

Many of my previous articles in Generation Next have focused on specific dates and what they mean to the larger society as a whole.  This one might just be the most important.  In an effort to harness the energy, imagination and initiative of the world’s youth in overcoming the challenges of our world, the United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Youth for 2010.

Throughout the year, the UN is calling for the full and effective participation of youth in all aspects of society.  The celebration encourages all sectors to work in partnership with youth and youth organizations to better understand their needs and concerns and to recognize the contributions they can make to society.

In its resolution proclaiming the Year, the UN General Assembly called on governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event.  It also encourages young people to dedicate themselves to fostering progress, such as the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals, which seek to eliminate a host of social ills, including extreme poverty and hunger, maternal and infant mortality, and lack of access to education and health care, all by 2015.

It is interesting to note that young people today enjoy a level of freedom and individual empowerment that youth throughout the centuries could have only dreamt of.  It wasn’t too long ago that adults regularly believed that young people should only be seen in public, and not heard.  Thankfully, we’ve moved beyond these outdated forms of thinking.

They say that youth are the leaders of tomorrow.  I actually kind of disagree with this statement, because it essentially says that kids have to grow up first to really make a difference.  I don’t think you have to wait until you’re an adult to make change.  Why can’t you start right now?

In fact, history is filled with examples of young people working together to create positive change.  This includes the vitally important youth participation that took place in the Civil Rights movement, the peace and environmental movements, and the struggle for the rights of students all over the world.

Currently in the early 21^st century, we see tens of thousands of kids using personal blogs and such networking sites as Facebook and YouTube to spread the word about making positive change.  Whether it’s about poverty, human rights or global warming, knowledge and information can be shared among millions of young people all over the world with just a few clicks of a mouse, and is propelling kids into action with an enthusiasm never seen before.

Several international events are already scheduled throughout the year, including the Fifth World Youth Congress from July 31 to August 13 in Istanbul, and the World Conference for Youth in Mexico City from August 24 to 27.  Both gatherings will focus on youth and sustainable development.

So what are we waiting for?  This is our year to make a difference!

Author: Bilaal Rajan

Hundreds of Bangla community people and many South Asian people have united to pay homage to the immortal Ekushey February 21, 2010 and the International Mother Language Day under the banner of the United International Mother Language Day Celebration at the Bangladesh Centre, Toronto.  The great ceremony will begin with placing of floral wreath at Shaheed Minar (Ceremonial Monument) by the members of Bengali community at Bangladesh Centre, 2670, Danforth Avenue, Toronto. Bangla Community will pay the glowing tributes to the great language martyrs. More information is available from Ms. Chaman Ara,  Telephone  416 686 3980 and Mr. Pronobesh Poddar, 416 458 3280.

Bangla literature demands justice here and now. In this respect the message of UNESCO declared, “We pay tribute to the people of Bangladesh, whose passion for their own language has inspired the designation of 21^st February as the International Mother Language Day. As UNESCO marks 21^st February, the International Mother Language Day, we and millions of Canadian nationals sincerely requested the Right Honorable Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada, to designate the International mother language Day in the Canadian Government Calendar.

Toronto is the most culturally diverse city in the world, and is home to people from 170 countries, who speak more than 100 languages and dialects. Together they create a vibrancy and spirit that make our city truly unique. One of the remarkable parts of the function will be Rabindranath Tagore’s song sung by Ms. Colettee Peters who went to Calcutta to study Bangla and Tagore’s songs. Ms. Peters highly appreciated the Bangla language and songs.

Our South Asian community is an important and vital part of Toronto’s cultural mosaic, strength and success – something of which we are all extremely proud.  Homage will be paid to Martyrs of Bangla Language and People demand that the Government of Canada should recognize UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day.

Author: Mr. Sona Kanti Barua is an international author of several books and former President of the Bangla Sahitya Parisad (Bengali Literary Association) Toronto.

On Feb 15^th at Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park, families in Brampton came out to see and do lots at the park on the Family Day. There were Ice Walls to paint, roast marshmallows, shoe slide and wagon rides, relay and kick sled races, family soccer game, ring toss and crafts. Children enjoyed themselves while playing a game of ICE x’s and o’s. Snow tennis and snow golf was another great winter experience for the participants. Families cheered and watched the ski and snowboard competition and went for “try-it” curling. It was also an amazing opportunity to watch the pros turn a chunk of ice into a work of art!!

By Staff Writer

Panaroma Board of Directors 2009-2010

PANORAMA India, celebrated the 61st Republic Day of India at the Pearson Convention Centre on January 31st, 2010. The event was jointly organised in association with the Consulate General of India, in Toronto to showcase India’s unique cultural unity in diversity. The day- long celebrations were conducted in a spirit of camaraderie that continues to motivate and inspire thousands of Indo-Canadians who call GTA their new home and who wish to remain in touch with their cultural roots and heritage in India .

India and Canda enjoy close friendly ties. As two vibrant democracies, India and Canada share several commonalities of pluralism, tolerance and diversity. In a special message to Panorama India, read out by his special envoy MP Bob Dechert, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that “Canada stands besides India as a steadfast and faithful friend”. Advocating even stronger economic relations between Canada and India, the Canadian Prime Minister stated that Canada and India must forge stronger trade, investment and educational ties to build a more productive friendship. Outlining the many historical, cultural, social and economic ties between the two countries, Harper said, “These bonds are a solid foundation upon which we can build an even stronger, more productive friendship” and sought greater participation from the Indo-Canadian community in the economic development.

More than 10,000 people participated in the Panorama India`s Indian Mela and the 61st Republic Day celebrations. Crowds began to throng into the hall well before the scheduled time 11 a.m. to get the best seats in the house. By 1 p.m. there was no standing space left in the the huge Pearson Convention Centre with a seating capacity of 6000 seats. Over 300 minutes of non-stop programming witnessed unprecedented participation, mainly from the second generation Indo-Canadians , which kept the audience enthralled and entertained.

Several political dignitaries attended the event including the Ontario Minister for Government Services , Mr. Harinder Takhar, Mississauga Mayor Mrs. Hazel McCallion, former Deputy Premier of Ontario Mr George Smithermann, Members of Parliament Gurbaksh Malhi, Dr Ruby Dhalla, Kristy Duncan, Bonnie Crombie and MPPs Bob Delaney, Vic Dhillon & Amrit Mangat . They were joined by the newly appointed and the first Indo-Canadian Senator Vim Kochhar, Dr. Alok Mukherjee , Chairman of the Toronto Police Board and Consul General Mrs. Preeti Saran. Messages from Leader of the opposition Mr. Michael Ignatief and Ontario Premier Mr. Dalton McGuinty were also read to the audience.

Consulate Gernal

The highlight of the day was the selection of the first Panorama India Indian Idol. After more than a month of planning and after 3 elimination rounds , the judges and the audience crowned Ferzana Bohra as the First Idol. Second place went to Anusha Shivalingum, with Kajori Chakravorty and Dhiraj Barla getting placed third.

The audience was on their feet during the grand finale , performed by Melange Entertainment Group accompanied by the top 10 Idol contestants.

Panorama’s co-chair, Ajit Khanna, said “‘Panorama India, which organised the event, strives to showcase Indian culture and strengthen ties between the various cultural organisations of India in Canada as well as strengthens ties between the two countries. Today`s event, a record breaker for Panorama India, helped generate a tremendous amount of pride for both the participants and the 10,000 strong audience ” .

Click Image for Enlarge

This Sunday, Dazzling Lounge in Toronto dazzled in the company of young Muslim professionals to network and to extend their hands to help the victims of earthquake in Indonesia through Islamic Relief Canada.  Professionals from all walks of life were there to meet and greet each other and grow their social networks. Some considered networking essential for their businesses while others came with the idea of speed dating in their mind. Well, whatever the aims were, the event was a success. With over a hundred participants, the event was well organized, well managed with delicious appetizers and charming company. Engineers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, project mangers, IT specialists and yes, the media people were all there to talk about their respective life and their perspective on it with their newly made friends.
Our host Farrukh Qurashi, a software developer by profession, modestly accepted that this was the first event of this nature to be hosted by him. He was grateful to Mo Hakim for sharing his organizational skills and helping him make this event a success. Co-hostess, Farrah Naeemuddin commented, ‘ The event was up to our expectations. A lot of people have made many business contacts and friendships tonight. Makes me happy.” Light music by DJ Lune and a live performance by Samer Shahid Khan of Nai Roshni School turned the evening into pleasant event. This fusion of music, food and networking provided a great opportunity for Muslims in GTA to socialize and grow their networks.

Organizers of the event: DJ Lune, Farrah Naeemuddin, Mo Hakim, Farrukh Qurashi

Dr. Rubina and Fariha

Azwar and Feroz

Fatima

Live Performance by Samir Shahid Khan of Nai Roshni School

Kamran, Huda and Zia

Zia and Zahra

There were chimtas, there were dhols, there were sappars, there were peerhees, there were colourful lachas, silk kurte, doppattas with gotta, there was culture and yes there was history. A student of kinesiology at Victoria, B.C., Kira’s great great grandfather was the first Sikh to come to Canada. As such she is the fourth generation Canadian.

Indo- Canadian Chamber of Commerce 044

Chardi Jawani (Blooming Youth)

Indo- Canadian Chamber of Commerce 047

Indo- Canadian Chamber of Commerce 084

It all came together at Next Generation’s Bhangra Nation. 13 Bhangra teams from ages 8 up to 25, from the US to Victoria B.C, Canada, got together to compete against one another. The teams were emotionally charged and the level of energy was unbelievable. You would imagine guys climbing on one another’s backs and shoulders to impress the audience, but our young bhangra dancers from Shan-e-Punjab (Punjab’s pride) were nowhere far from guys. They did the same.  

Rochester Bhangra

These teams have the most amazing and interesting names, and when translated into English they are even more fascinating. Take for example “Nache Tapde Punjabi” (Dancing, Jumping Punjabis), Charhdi Jawani (Blooming Youthfulness), Ministry of Bhangra…yes folks…there is no official Ministry of Bhangra, however the team on Generation Next’s cover is called Ministry of Bhangra.

Ranvir Raoi - Foundaer of Bhangra Nation

“Bhangra Nation has grown over the years,” says Ranvir Roi, the Founder of Bhangra Nation. Professionally, a pharmacist, Mr. Roi started Bhangra Nation during his years in University of Toronto. The success of the event can be determined by the fact that the event was sold out with almost 350 people present. Mr. Roi says that many a times, parents bring the kids to such event to retain the cultural identity, to preserve Punjabi heritage.

And truly it would have been quite hard to dance on the beat of the dhool without understanding what is being said in the song.

Author: Staff Writer

We were told that you are attending one of the most significant events of the year. It was an event organized by Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). It was hard not to see why this was said the event was attended by professionals, entrepreneurs, Federal Minister, Members of Parliament, representatives from Ontario Legislature and Mayor McCallion.

Organizers - Rohan, Asha, Surbhi, Rakhi, Gurdeep & Kundan

The guest of honour was Minister Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship and Immigration and Multiculturalism. Among other dignitaries were MP Patrick Brown, Chairman of Canada India parliamentary Association, MPP. Reza Moridi Parliamentary

Dr. Anita, Rupel & Aditi

 Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, MPP. Bob Delaney, Parliamentary Assistant to the minister of Tourism, Hon. Harinder Takhar - Minister of Government Services, MPP. Amrit Mangat-

Minister of Citizenship & Immigration - Mr. Jason Kenny

Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Seniors, Ms. Preeti Saran Consul General of India, Toronto, Mr. Venkatesan - Vice Consul General of India and  Mr. M.P. Singh – Head of Chancery , Consulate General of India.

Lisa, Gaurav, Zeeshan & Muneeza

Among the sponsors were Etihad, Aylesworth LLP, State Bank of India (Canada), ICICI and Rogers, and at the corporate tables were BMO, Keyser Mason Ball LLP, CIBC, Scotia Bank, Ghumman Professional Corporation, Silver Hotel Group, Emirates, Delta Chelsea Hotel, TD Canada Trust, Aundhia, Parikh & Kapadia LLP, Excelsior Financial Group Inc., Wyvil, HSBC, RANA, RANKA, South Association Dental Association, Skylink and Homelife Realty.

Syed Imran Shah - South Asian Model of the Year

ICCC presented  the Annual Holiday Dinner & Dance 2009 with the theme of Royal Indian Celebration and Extravaganza  to celebrate festive season of Diwali, Eid, Christmas.

The evening was truly regal from gorgeous, glittery, sparkling dresses of women to flattering suits of men. 

 Author: Staff  Writer