Report from Arya Samaj Markham of the events held during the month of August.

By Kewal Ahluwalia.

Arya Samaj Markham Canada had three significant events in the month of August.

1^st. Annual Maha Gayatri Yajna.

2^nd.The opening of the Vedic Cultural Center.

3^rd. India’s flag hoisting event on 15^th August at the Markham Town Center celebrating 63^rd Anniversary of India’s Independence day

Maha Gayatri Yajna.

Arya Samaj Markham’s annual Gayatri Yajna which was held from August 9th to August 15th, 2010.was brought to a very successful conclusion by Dr. Tulsi Ram Sharma, our chief Brahma on the 15^th August 2010. The Havans were performed twice daily in the mornings from 10 am to 12 noon and evenings from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. 51 ahuti or oblations with the recitation of Gayatri Mantra were offered in the Havan Kund. Many Arya Pariwars participated as Yajmans during the week.

After each session mornings and evenings Havan, Swami Sampurnand gave pravachans to enlighten the congregation and conveyed the message of Vedas as laid down by Maharishi Swami Dayananand and our other scripture as to how to live our lives.

Vedic Cultural Centre Anniversary.

The decision made 14 years ago by Arya Samaj Markham and Toronto Arya Samaj as partners to build this majestic building the Vedic Cultural Centre was a sound one. Today on 15^th of August as for year since 1996 we celebrate the anniversary of this building. Together both the organizations strive to promote the religious values, culture and our heritage and have made a positive impact in the community.

The Vedic Cultural Centre didn’t just happened, it was the result of hard work and contribution by members of both the organizations. Let us not forget the selfless effort put in Late Shri. Kewal Sethi, in spite of his health spent lot of time, days and night in all kind of weather to oversee the completion and the construction in time to commemorate the opening of the Centre for the 15^th of August in 1996 celebrations of India’s Independence Day.

In additions to our regular Sunday Satsang by both the organization this building is being used for promoting several weekly sessions of Yoga, Music classes, all Indian festivals and other cultural events. The building is also used for weddings and other special events.

India’s Independence day.

On 15^th August 2010 the 63^rd anniversary of India’s Independence Day was celebrated at the Markham Town Center with the hoisting of India ‘flag with singing of the both the Canadian and India’s National Anthems. This event has been made possible by the generosity of the Mayor of Markham Mr. Frank Scarpitti who has always shown keen interest in the activities of Arya Samaj Markham and has extended an open invitation to celebration this occasion every year in front of the City Hall. Markham supports a very large Indian community. The celebrations were made possible with the participation of Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre, Santan Mandir Cultural Centre, Patanjali Yogepeeth Canada (Swami Ram Dev Group) and Rajasthan association of North America. The highlights of the activities were singing of patriotic songs and dance performances and speeches outlying achievements of India.

Representative from all three levels of Government were present. The notable absence was that there was no presentation from the Indian Counsel’s office and no explanation was given to the reason.