NYCO (Nataraj Youth and Cultural Organization) celebrated 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi with Support of Consulate General of India, Toronto at the Radha Krishna Temple, in Toronto, Canada
on October 20, 2018. There were 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 a beautiful hut in a corner decorated with mud walls, a journey of Mahatama Gandhi’s life and 350 Mahatma Gandhi postage stamps display by Dharmendra Patel. There were many enlarged photos of Gandhiji, alongside with props like the Charka (spinning wheel), that would remind you of India before the Independence.
The event MC Mr. Ajit Patel welcomed the Guest of Honor Mrs. Apoorva Srivastava, Consulate General of India, for lighting the lamp ceremony along with NYCO Chair Mrs. Chintan Bhavsar and other VIP guests in attendance, namely Mr. Rameshbhai Trivedi (Kochrab Ashram handling last 17 years, Mr. Zakir Patel (Trustee, Ward 19, Scarborough – Guildwood). 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 favorite including the popular Vaishnava Jan Bhajan sung by Mr.Harry Patel . Mr.Ramnarine Sahadeo spoke regarding a book he is writing on Gandhiji and offered free bookmark to all. There were performances by children, young adults including a play on Mahatma Gandhi’s principles for today’s generation. It was organized by Ruchi Pandya and performed by Kunal Pandya, Sarthak Pandya, Abir Jain, Kabir Jain, Bhavya Patel and Param Patel. Mr. Shailesh Mehta dressed as Mahatama Gandhi became an exciting photo opportunity for children and adults, all through the afternoon. A book was also launched in honor of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by Consulate General of India.
“NYCO has been organizing a number of other events and activities over the whole year as part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This includes Art Exhibitions, Bapu150 Quiz, and the distribution of books on his life and work of the father of the nation, planting of trees on World Environmental Day, an exhibition of Khadi products, a vegetarian food festival, among other things, ” said Chintan Bhavsar, President of NYCO.
“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, equality, into the coming generations.” said Mrs. Apoorva Srivastava, Consulate General of India.
No community event is possible without the generous support of the sponsors and NYCO committee members, Mr. Praful Bhavsar,Mr. Ketan Gandhi .Mr.Ajit Patel , Mr. NV Sonderva, are grateful to Mr. Sudeep Varma (Connexions Telecom Ltd.), Mr. Mihir Bhatt (Continental Motor),Mr.Kunal Patel (D& K Career Consulting), Mr. Sanju Patel (Home Life/Miracle) ,Mr. Shirishbhai Patel (Bayside Motel), Mr. Hasmukh Mukhi (Sabras), Mr.Sanjaykumar Doshi (Doshi Law Offices), Mr.Gary and Jagruti Bhatt (Jodi1.com), Grand Empire Banquet & Convention, Mr. Chiman Mistry (Mornelle Drug Mart), Mrs. Varsha Suthar(Paramount Ambe, Immigration Consultancy ),
Mr. Sandip Vora (Home Life /Miracle), India Sajawat & Pujahut)
NYCO appreciates the greetings from Hon Mrs Apoorva Srivastava Consulate General of India, Hon. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Hon. Mayor John Tory (Toronto), Hon. Mayor Patrick Brown (Brampton), Hon.MPP Raymond Cho, Hon (Scarborough North ), Hon. MPP Mitzie Hunter (Scarborough, Guildwood), Mr.Zakir Patel (TDSB Trustee, Ward 19, Scarborough –Guildwood), Mr. Rameshchandra Trivedi (Management of Kocharab Ashram) and support of other community members including Mrs.Ruchi and Mr. Ritesh Pandya, Mr Pritesh Patel, Mr Jagdishbhai Suthar, Mr Manohar Sharma, Mr.kapilaji, and Mr.Rajiv Sharma (Radha Krishna Temple). Thanks to all performers of the event. Thanks to event photographer Nisarg Lakhmani (Nisarg Media Production) and for media support Mrs. Neelam PanditPautra (Radio Muskan), Tushar Unadkat (MUKTA Advertising), Mr Lalit Soni (Gujarat News line), Zee TV, Mr. Nilesh Taylor(Swadesh), Mr Lalit Thaker( Gujarat Weekly), and Mr Shilpesh Parikh (Gujarat Abroad), Mr Chamkaur Singh (GTA News Production Company Toronto), Samagra Bharat, Global Governance News.
“I thank all volunteers and my team, who worked hard for the past few weeks to put this show together,” said Chintan Bhavsar, President of NYCO.
At the end, scrumptious Indian lunch was served for all.
Hon Mrs Apoorva Srivastava ( Consulate General of India),
Hon. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau,
Hon. Mayor John Tory (Toronto),
Hon. Mayor Patrick Brown (Brampton),
Hon.MPP Raymond Cho, Hon (Scarborough North ),
Hon. MPP Mitzie Hunter (Scarborough, Guildwood),
Mr.Zakir Patel (TDSB Trustee, Ward 19, Scarborough –Guildwood),
Late.Ron Hariis ( Dadaji ) Blessings
Rameshchandra Trivedi (Kocharab Ashram)
