Vancouver: Last weekend International Day of Yoga brought a perfect blend of excitement and a calming energy to the lower mainland in British Columbia, atmosphere was charged with positive energy. Friday got kicked off with a gala evening organized by Indo-Canadian Socio-Economic Association (IC-SEA), it was a perfect weather, at an ideal setting of UBC boat house in Richmond attended by 100s of Yoga enthusiasts, experts, political dignitaries, business leaders and IC-SEA teams. IC-SEA & Overseas Friends of Bhartiya Janta Party- BC (OFBJP-BC) President Aditya Tawatia inaugurated Gala evening at UBC Boat House in Richmond to mark the festivities for the International Yoga Day 2015. He emphasized the importance and relevance of ancient Indian heritage of Yoga in our modern connected life styles. His message was to reflect and move connectivity inward with oneself with the help of holistic Yoga philosophy and action. IC-SEA team including its Vice President Parveen Goel, Directors Vivek Savkur, Sunil Bajaj and many volunteers were present to mark this special occasion which also included the formal launch of IC-SEA with a delicious and beautiful cake cutting ceremony. IC-SEA mission is to preserve Indo-Canadian culture in British Columbia and promote social and cultural interaction as well as trade and business relationships between Canada and India.
Consul General of India in Vancouver Mr. Ravi Shankar Aisola, who was the chief guest of the occasion, gave a very inspiring speech emphasizing that Yoga is lot more than physical exercise and it is about the entire life style that helps one to reach to the higher level of consciousness. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of British Columbia Hon. Suzanne Anton, and Minister of Technology Hon. Amrik Virk, both were present and gave the message of unity in diversity and reminded and congratulated everyone for the great contributions South Asian community has made in building this country. Hon. Wai Young MP for Vancouver South delivered the message from Federal Government and presented IC-SEA a certificate of recognition as well as Canadian Flag.
Many business and community leaders were recognized for their support and contributions to the community, Mr. & Mrs. Daljit Thind of Thind Properties, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Arora of Gagan Foods, Mr. & Mrs. Lucky Randhawa of SW Media Group, Mr. & Mrs Jas Sandhu of Prabu Sweets, and Mr. & Mrs. Ravi Narula of Sabzi Mandi, Dr. Harry Dhanju, Mr. Gulshan Goyal of Goyal Travels and Mr. Gurdev Raj Kumar and Manish Kumar of Riviera Hotels and Kudos holdings. A dazzling dance performance of south Indian classical dance by Miss teen Southern B.C Aashritha Royyuru and a fine performance by Mannu Sandhu as the Master of Ceremony kept audience mesmerized. One of the great High light of event was everyone participating in laughter Yoga session lead by expert Yoga teacher from Langera College Ms. Naseem Gulamhusein and Sri Venu a head Yogi from Sivananda asharm. A perfect evening with a great Indian vegetarian food by Maharaja Restaurants on this inaugural event was an harbinger of more great things to come from the dedicated IC-SEA team
Sunday afternoon at UBC Hillel house was an afternoon to celebrate International Yoga Day in Vancouver Chief guest of the day were Consul General of India in Vancouver Mr. Ravi Shankar Aisola, many prominent guests included President of Langara College Lane Trotter, and community leader like Dave Hayer, Business leaders such as Mr. Gupta, Yoga enthusiasts of all ages ranging from 2 year old toddler to 85 year old senior citizens. Consul General of India, and many dignitaries were among the attendees who practiced Yoga under the guidance of two experts; Ms. Naseem Gulamhusein and Yogacharini Maitreyi.
