BURLINGTON: The challenges for children in a multi-cultural society like ours are many. The most important one is being proud of their own culture and at the same time blending with others with ease.
When we live in a multi-lingual and multicultural society, we often pick up language, playful activities, food and other ways of living and habits from other cultures. That is not only wonderful but healthy and enriching.
However, in this process many of us, especially impressionable children often develop disrespect and even disdain for their own culture. This often happens because they don’t know anything or enough about their own culture. No one at home or in society taught them the rich values and the background they and their ancestors come from.
This has created a great void among the children in our society.
Sanskar Canada has launched an education and activity based platform to educate children about the universal values contained in their scriptures. The organization was started by Rachna Sharma, who resigned from her job as a teacher, to undertake the project. She was joined by two other passionate and well-meaning volunteers Bushan Bhat and Premal Vyas.
Respect, belief in universal brotherhood, co-existence, harmony, love and kindness are imparted to children through chanting, practising kind manners and habits and several similar activities. Besides, classes are held for cooking, and different activities planned for seniors.
The organization held India Independence Day Celebration at Waterdown and a Seniors Program at a Park in Burlington.
At the Independence Day event, children sang O Canada and Jana Gana Mana and showcased the independence struggle of India through songs, small skits and individual performances. It received wide appreciation from the community at large