On October 27, 2007, A Buddhist Seminar was organized by Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada to raise funds for Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara Ludhiana, Panjab, India.

Seminar was presided over by well known Punjabi Buddhist Monk Venerable Chander Bodhi Ji of Punjab Buddhist Society UK.

Indian Buddhist Society Toronto is the first organization to dare to invite thoughts on the most sentimental and emotional topic of religion in today’s age which most of the organizations hesitate to touch. Thoughts on various aspects of religion were shared by speakers and Bhante Ji explained the importance of religion in everyday life; in specific to Buddhism. Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s thoughts on religion were also shared by speakers. General consensus agreed to have a need of religion for the individuals and the society regardless of which part of the globe they habitat.

First time in Toronto’s history, it was a unique seminar on Buddhism by the Indian Buddhists. Audience was encouraged to ask questions to clarify the information with the speakers after their speech. Basically, it was an interactive seminar. The credit goes to the supporters and the team members of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada to put together such a tremendous event.

Program was organized in Pine Valley Banquet Hall in Toronto. Hall was decorated with flowers, the banners of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto and portraits of Lord Buddha along with statues of various colors and sizes. Several candles of different fragrances were lit in the hall before observing tri-sharan and panch-sheel. Program started with Buddhist Prayer performed by Bhante Chander Bodhi Ji.

Various local organizations participated in the program and supported financially. Lots of members of other organizations volunteered for help. Indian Buddhist Society Toronto appreciates their compassionate support.

Various well known local personalities shared their views in the seminar. They were: Mr. Kashmir Singh, Dr. Kewal Kailay, Mr. Darbara Singh, Mr. Jagir Bance, Mr. Sukhdev Thaper, Mr. Nirmal Sallan and Mr. Dev Bhatti.

Dr. Kewal Kailay shared his thoughts on what is a religion, why do we need a religion and what is important in a religion. He was of the opinion that a religion must possess equality and fraternity for its followers. People must flourish in their religion and become caring citizens over time in the society.

Mr. Darbara Singh, with a great compassion, shared his thoughts on Buddhism. He also dared all to learn and practice religion at their own. Mr. Singh spoke from his heart and with self experience of Dhamma. I must mention here that Mr. Singh was always a religious person though he commended the way of Buddhism which taught him how to practice Dhamma. His thoughts were very inspiring and he concluded his speech by declaring himself to be a practicing Buddhist.

Mr. Jagir Bance expressed his thoughts on social equality and wanted to see a casteless society all around the world. He appreciated efforts of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto to organize such programs where community gets a chance to sit together and discuss common issues.

Mr. Nirmal Sallan also emphasized to follow Baba Sahib’s way to help improve the social status of our community and appreciated chance to share his thoughts in such program. Mr. Sukhdev Thaper and Mr. Dev Bhatti also shared their views.

Mr. Kashmir Singh made his efforts to participate in the program even thought he had other engagements as well. As usual, he inspired all to work hard and make all your dreams come true either those are financial, social or religious since we live in the part of the world where no dream is impossible to achieve.

All speakers were not afraid of presenting their thoughts openly about religion. They all agreed that each individual does need a religion that treats everyone equal and fair. Religion must help an individual to become a better citizen of the society it lives in. Religion also gives an identity to its followers.

Bhante Chander Bodhi Ji concluded the program. Of course, he gave his Dhamma Talk on Buddhism. He inspired all to live a blissful life where ever we are and that will help us and others around us to have a blissful life too. Bhante Ji also expressed to have the right understanding of the religious scriptures. There are times when we are explained different meanings of the religious scriptures by different people and it’s in everyone’s interest to have the right understanding of the religion/dhamma. We must try to understand the Dhamma message of Lord Buddha which is for the welfare of the whole humanity not for any individual alone (Sarvjan Hitay Sarvjan Sukhay).

Mr. Parkash Rahul (President: Indian Buddhist Society Toronto) thanked the audience for their financial support and presence. On behalf of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, he gave commitment to organize more programs in the future to spread Buddhism and Baba Sahib’s message to make India a Buddhist country. Snacks and soft drinks were served throughout the program and a delicious vegetarian dinner was also served in a beautifully decorated banquet hall.

I had the honor to facilitate the seminar.

Posted on November 03, 2007

Caste Watch UK
Conference on 6th November
At House of Commons, Westminster, London

CasteWatchUK is holding a conference entitled ‘Caste and British Discrimination Law' in Committee Room 14, House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA from 14.00 to 16.00 on Tuesday, 6th November 2007.
Please visit www.castewatchuk.org to register your interest.

CasteWatchUK has been concerned about the rising Caste based discrimination establishing roots in Britain amongst the Asian Diaspora. This conference will raise the profile of this pernicious form of discrimination that is now affecting communities in Britain and the British Governments unacceptability of its practices.

So far, CasteWatchUK has worked since its formal launch in July 2004 to raise awareness of Caste discrimination in the UK. Amongst the many actions we have taken is our work with the Dept for Education and Skills; our input into the Home Office White Paper "Strength in Diversity Consultations" and our lobbying for legislation to make Caste Discrimination unlawful vis-à-vis Equality Legislation that is currently going through parliament.

Additionally, we have provided key input to conferences organized by DFID and lobbied for debates on Caste discrimination in the Houses of Parliament. We have also published a number of articles in national and local press. We have also actively participated in a number of radio discussions on Caste Discrimination. Recently, we have provided feedback to the Community and Faiths Unit as part of their remit to conduct exploratory investigation into Caste Discrimination.

The Westminster conference will discuss Caste and British Discrimination Law; Caste Identity as a social norm and hear testimonials from those who have experienced Caste Discrimination.

Please note that on the day of the conference there will be State opening of Parliament in the morning. You will not be admitted to the House of Commons until around 1.p.m.

Kindest Regards
Sat Pal Muman

Posted on November 02, 2007

Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Committee of Great Britain, Wolverhampton, U.K

Invites you to Celeberate Kathina-Mela on Sunday 25th Nov. 2007,