The diverse South Asian culture took centre stage at the Bur Oak Secondary School on November 14th, as the Social Services Network’s youth group – “Leaders of Tomorrow, Today”, proudly presented its 4^th annual Ektaa “Unity within Diversity” cultural show.

 

For those unfamiliar with the word, Ektaa is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘oneness’ or ‘unity’. The theme of this year’s cultural show was “Bridging the Intergenerational Gap” and the purpose of this show was to display unity between the youth and seniors, with performers ranging between the ages of 6 and 70. Performances highlighted the rich and diverse South Asian heritage through music, dance and poetry.

 

 

The evening started out with a very memorable traditional dance called Bharatnatyam. Bharatnatyam is a classical Indian dance, one of the oldest dance forms in India known for its grace and sculpturesque poses. Another first-half standout performance was called Generation Fusion which incorporated old and new musical styles and performers of all ages that was very upbeat and full of energy.

 

After a short intermission, the second half of the show began with a performance called Butterfly Dance performed by the Seniors Tamil Centre of Ontario. It was a very moving act that incorporated female dancers with colourful fabrics that ended with the transformation of one dancer into a butterfly.

 

The last official act of the night was another energetic and upbeat performance with the Sanjha Virsa Academy performing Bhangra which is a form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The performers did not let off their pace from beginning to end and were surely out of breath by the end of their performance.

 

The evening ended with all the performers coming together on stage to sing and dance to A. R. Rahman’s “Jai Ho” from the academy award winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The performance ended with the entire audience on their feet and clapping with the music.

 

Tejal Solanki, SSN Youth Program Manager and organizer of Ektaa was very pleased with how the show unfolded and is very proud of all her youth who helped and participated.

 

“I'm very proud of the youth. Everyone contributed to putting this show together and for most it was their first time putting up Ektaa,” says Solanki. This is the time when I can show everyone out there who our dedicated youth group members are. They put in a lot of time and hard work to put the show together.”

 

Ameet Nathwani, a SSN youth volunteer, was also pleased with the outcome of the show and its progression over the years.

 

“Overall it was a fantastic show,” says Nathwani. “The show has grown in scope and reach into the community, we definitely want to keep that going and improve year after year.”

 

Nathwani adds that Solanki’s efforts and tireless work have been instrumental in the success and growth of Ektaa.

 

“Without her leadership and guidance this show could not have happened.”

 

 

The themes of Ektaa have changed in its short four-year history and Solanki wanted to get across two particular messages with this year’s show.

 

“One, bringing the diverse south Asian community together through performing arts, from the diverse south Asian community,” says Solanki. The message here was even though you live in Canada you should keep your culture whilst integrating into the Canadian lifestyle.”

 

“Secondly, this year we brought in the intergenerational piece because very little is done to bridge the gap between seniors and youth. The message here was to encourage, empower and inspire both youth and seniors to interact with each other and to be more active in the community.

 

Solanki sums up the evening nicely:

 

“The show turned out excellent, we had something for everyone.”

 

Needless to say the 4^th annual Ektaa cultural show was another success and had their audience clapping and enthralled from the first act to the final curtain call.

 

 

Founded for eradicating malaria in wider Africa, the Republic of Zanzibar is proud to be piloting this mission.

We are focused on comprehensive solutions which will create sustainable actions aimed at preventative disease control, including:

Effective sanitation

Promoting good Hygiene
Sustained basic cleanliness
Integrated pest management
Striving to operate with utmost care and concern for the environment.


Quick Facts about Malaria

300-500 million new and severe cases occur each year
Over 1 million people die yearly of this largely preventable disease
9 out of 10 cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa
But we can't fight this fight alone... read the full statement


The Vision

GLX will endeavor to promote practical and cost effective solutions to reach the heights of highest health standards in a pluralistic society and in the regions of its operations.

A little Introduction...

GLX Innovations and Technologies Inc. the leader in "GLX Arco Pestology", pest management processing solutions has recently expanded their team. New positions have been established for the new territory in Africa with its offices in Zanzibar for not for profit work in the area of sales, marketing, and reseller development.

Overall Objectives

One paramount priority objective will be to work for the Prevention of Diseases Communication by way of instituting Pest Management, Compliance of Regulatory standards and Knowledge transfer that touches the development of Adults and Children.
Keeping in view the challenges of disadvantaged segment, materially challenged, encompassing low level of hygiene and sanitation, lack of education, the incidence of diseases, the lack of access to the medical diagnosis and treatment, GLX, the Foundation, intends to establish a charity organization by the name of GLX (Good Living & Xtra (Extra - GLX).

Operations and Scope

The administrative office with an Educational Institute at Zanzibar with sub offices in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Donor offices in Canada and USA locations of cities under review. GLX is a non- Governmental, non-political and non-ethnic charity organization. The organization will work in multidimensional of Health, Education and Socio-economic rehabilitation, beside help prompt self-development in the fields of developing and nurturing values of harmony and good will. The Foundation will endeavor to deal with all relevant issues that impact the lives of so many infants with malaria and other fatal diseases, due to lack of sanitation caused by more due to lack of common sense preventative observations.

Finding Solutions

GLX will use instruments and take measures that are capable of effectively integrating ecological aspects into product policy and effecting significant change in product design towards creating sustainable solutions. These solutions are aimed at promoting the "creation of goods and services using processes and systems that are non-polluting; conserving of energy and natural resources, economically viable; safe and healthful for employees, communities and consumers; and socially and creatively rewarding for all working people" Hence, GLX will seek out to promote Good Living in the fields of preserving good hygiene, good environment, encourage and innovate quality living.

GLX will set up working groups on priority product policy tools to drive aspects such as increased market share for green products, coordinating and providing access to product information.

Contact Us

North America
31 Buckhurst Cr, Scarborough, Ontario, M1S 4C3, Canada
Tel: +1.647.438.0300

International
P.O. Box 3345, Zanzibar, Republic of Zanzibar
Tel: +255.77.733.3133

The Riverdale Immigrant Women's Enterprise is excited to inform you about the upcoming Riverdale Hub; a newly renovated, accessible and climate-controlled green building. The Riverdale Hub provides an affordable space for progressive organizations and individuals to work together, forge relationships, create synergies, share visions and reach common goals. Newcomers and immigrants can gain Canadian employment experience and launch their skills through on-site placement and training.

Our units currently available for rent include:

- Store front space for retail social-purpose enterprises
- 15 workstations/office space
- Meeting/event space and commercial kitchen for hosting community events

The space is very versatile and can be divided easily. Each floor is around 3000 sq ft, and each workstation is a couple hundred sq ft. Individual workstations include all amenities such as: reception, boardroom, kitchen, access to photocopier/printer, internet and telephone. The design incorporates an airtight and well-insulated building envelope, a ground-source heat pump feeding radiant panel heating, displacement ventilation and cooling, and an air handling unit with enthalpy wheel to recover energy and manage humidity, all of which are designed to provide a comfortable, sustainable environment.

Quick breakdown of the building:

First Floor: Fair Trade storefront cafe, and a potential handicraft market behind. We strive for this marketplace to be diverse and community-based, and an attractive unique market for those who live in all parts of the city.

Second Floor: The office space on the second floor is comprised of open-concept work stations. Offering 14 workstations, each station will include usage of shared a reception, boardroom and kitchen, and will also include utilities, phone and internet connection. The space will have a contemporary yet warm ambiance and will be perfect for agencies, entrepreneurs who are looking for an office that will create a positive influence on clients, without the expenses of a full fledged office.

Third Floor: This beautiful floor with gallery walls, high ceilings and commercial kitchen is perfect to host varying events whether artistic viewings, community celebrations workshops and classes. Its versatile setup allows us to use the space as one flowing space of 3000 square feet or simply create two smaller spaces.

Construction has started and is scheduled to finish at the end of the fall. Appointments to view the space can be made at any time by phoning (416) 465-6021 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit us online at www.riverdalehub.ca

South Asian Alternative Lifestyle Group is an couples lifestyles group that caters to many different aspects of adult sexuality.

The mission of the group is to empower adventurous, open-minded couples to explore all of the choices that the gamut of human sexuality has to offer, both with their partners and with other desirable and like-minded people. Everyone has their own favorite fantasies and turn-ons, and it is our mission to provide an upscale, clean, comfortable and discreet environment for you to safely enjoy exploring the boundaries of your favorite flavor of spice.

The group is a venue for discriminating, adventurous South Asian couples, particularly those who place high value on discretion and safety. Executing a privacy agreement is a requirement at South Asian Alternative Lifestyle group, and prospective members are screened to ensure that all applicants fully understand the nature of the group and that all members applying for membership truly wish to be a part of our alternative lifestyle community.

South Asian Alternative Lifestyle Group offers an upscale, comfortable and elegant place for our members to meet, socialize and play. If you are a South Asian couple then we would love for you to join us.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more details.