September 2004

Glimpses of Mela 2003 organized by India Canada Association, Waterloo Region

by Rekha Merchant

Kitchener is one of the places I always enjoyed visiting. Since 1977, I have visited Kitchener on several occasions such as events organized by the India Canada Association of Waterloo Region and the National Indo-Canadian Council. As the National Vice President of the National Indo-Canadian Council, I enjoyed working with dedicated community workers like Chandrika Anjaria, Professor Raj Dubey, Shanta Dubey, Dr. Susan George, and Shiv Talwar.

The last time I visited Kitchener was for a very special event, Mela 2003, organized by the India Canada Association of Waterloo Region. This Mela was organized for the first time in the history of the Association. Mr.Ian Mendes, the President, and his team put in a lot of efforts to put together this event. Various food stalls, art and craft booths, and entertainment & cultural program involving our youth were some highlights of the Mela.

Provided below is a list of video clips (of the Mela held on Saturday, September 20, 2003) which can be viewed through links below. These clips provide a visual perception of the enthusiasm and excitement that prevailed at the Mela.

a) Opening Remarks, National Anthems, & Lighting of Lamps by Mr. Mendes (Time 6:07), click here.
b) Welcome by Mr. Mendes (Time 2:07), click here.
c) Messsages from Presidents of Participating Organizations (Time 11:48), click here.
d) Introduction to Mela (Time 2:09), click here.
e) Dance - "Dholna" (Time 4:43), click here.
f) Dance - "Dola Re" (Time 4:00), click here.
g) Keyboard Playing (Time 3:44), click here.
h) Stall About India (Time 0:32), click here.
i) More Stalls (Time 5:14), click here.
j) Dances on Bollywood Music (Time 4:12), click here.
k) Fashion Show (Time 3:37, Total Time 48:13), click here.

Mela 2004 is being held this year at Forest Heights Community Centre, Kitchener, Ontario on September 18, 2004. For details, please call Ian Mendes at 519-585-7577, Chandrika Anjaria at 519-579-2797, or Shanta Dubey at 519-885-2772.

* Eastern News 9th Annual ADABEE (literary) Awards Ceremony will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2004 at North York Public Library, Toronto. Admission is free. For details, please call Masood Khan at 416-568-2624.  

* Pushtimargiya Vaishnav Samaj of Canada is planning for Chhappanbhog and Kalash Mahotsava on September 11 and 12 2004. For more information, please call Jayanti Shah at 905-455-2206, P. K. Shah at 416-286-8556, or Raju Shah at 905-479-0507.

* Jain Society of Toronto is planning for a) Paryushan Parva from September 11 to 18, 2004, b) Mahavir Jayanti celebrations on September 12, 2004, and c) Daslakshana Parva from September 19, 2004. For details, please call Jaswant Shah at 416-439-3086.  

* Walk or run during the "Leaps & Bounds" event to show your support for the United Way of Greater Toronto. Join the South Asian Community in "Chalo Dil Walo" on Sunday, September 12, 2004.. For more information, please call 416-777-1444 ext. 280 or click here.

* India Canada Association, Waterloo Region presents Mela 2004 : 2nd Annual South Asian Cultural Festival at Forest Heights Community Centre, Kitchener, Ontario on September 18, 2004. For details, please call Ian Mendes at 519-585-7577, Chandrika Anjaria at 519-579-2797, or Shanta Dubey at 519-885-2772.  

* Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) is observing a one-minute silence at 12 noon (local time) on the 'Annual International Day for Peace', the 21st of September and is requesting all Her children across the world to do the same.

* Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Montreal Business Council presents its Annual Gala on Saturday, September 25, 2004. For details, please call 416-224-0090. 

* Spiritual Heritage Education Network (SHEN) presents a seminar by Anne Treadwell on " A Free and Responsible Search" on Thursday, September 30, 2004. For details, please contact Shiv Talwar at ShenGroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. 

* Chitralekha Odissi Dance Creations presents Drona Thursday, September 30, 2004 to Sunday, October 2, 2004. For details, please call 905-335-4636.  

* Anila Singh foundation in collaboration with International House at the University of Chicago presents International Kathak Festival October 8 - 10, 2004. For details, please call 773-753-2274.  

* Owing to popular demand we are again conducting two more Meditation seminars in Toronto on September 25th and September 26th. There is no fee for this seminar. For details, please call Piyush Parikh at 416-494-7772 or click here.  

* Kala Manjari, with the support of the Indian community, presents Festival of India from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, September 25, 2004 at Covent Garden Market, 130 King Street, London, Ontario, Canada. Admission is free. For details, please call Lalu Mansinha at 519-433-0854 or Raju Shah at 519-641-6665.  

* The India-Canada Society of Hamilton announces The Twelfth Annual Mahatma Gandhi Peace Festival from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 2, 2004 at Hamilton city Hall, 71 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Admission is free. For details, please call Dr. Raj Sood at 905-648-0968