Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in Canada -20

















































Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in Canada






Vishnu Mandir, Richmon Hill, ON, Canada

Address:
8840 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C6Z4 Canada
Tel: 905-886-1724

words of wisdom
I must begin my life once again by dreaming the impossible - Sri Chinmoy

Vishnu Mandir

Richmond Hill is situated in Ontario province of Canada. If you are a new visitor to our web site or have not visited this temple, we would like to introduce to you this great temple of North America. Vishnu Mandir runs a variety of programs to promote and sustain the Hindu culture and its values. Voice of the Vedas Cultural Sabha Inc.was founded in 1977 and incorporated in 1979.
The Vishnu Mandir started as a little house in 1981 by a few supporters from Guyana and Trinidad. By March of 1984, the small version of the Vishnu Temple was completed. At the Temple site, we used to have our Diwali Melas where over 15 thousand people attended.
Today, we have expanded our Temple to about 30,000 square feet. When we came to Canada, there were no Temples and we used to worship in school auditoriums. We then decided that we must preserve our dignity, heritage and Dharma and as such, we embarked on the building of the first architecturally structured Hindu Temple in Canada.
Today on our grounds, we have a 20-foot Bronze Mahatma Gandhi statue in its own little Peace Park.
Founding Members
  • Cyril Patraj Singh (Deceased)
  • Dr. Budhendra Doobay
  • Mr. Harry Panday (now lives in FL)
  • Betty and Yogi Bharratt
  • Dr. Krishna Persaud
  • Jaisar Girdhar
  • Ricky Vedant Persaud
  • Leila and Dyanand Ramedehalchand
  • Sine Ram
  • Gansham Singh
  • Ben Sennick
  •  

Forthcoming Events:
October 31st, 2013
October 31st, 2013
November 01st, 2013
November 02nd, 2013
November 02nd, 2013

CMOHC’s Annual Grand Diwali Gala and Fundraiser 2013

Shining a Light on
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
And Celebrate
The Festival of Diwali

Sunday, November 03, 2013, 4.00pm

Pearson Convention Center, Brampton, Ontario
Mark your calendar now for our 33rd Annual Diwali Gala & fundraiser in support of
The Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization and
Voice of the Vedas Global Care Outreach Program

Fine Indian Cuisine, traditional colourful decor and astounding Classical and Bollywood entertainment including the live music makes this an extraordinary event, which you do not want to miss.
  • In addition to the fun, you will help us raise awareness and funds to appreciate and support the Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization (CMOHC) , North America’s first Museum dedicated to showcasing Hinduism’s acceptance and contribution to Cross Cultural Diversity and Inclusion via The Wall of Peace , Memorial to the Fallen Soldiers, Mahatma Gandhi’s Shanti- Niketan Peace Park, the ancient arts and science.
  • This is our effort of paving a way for our new generation to accept Cultural Diversity as a peaceful way of living
  • Thanks to your generous contributions and support in the past, we have been able to raise over a million dollars to promote Cultural Diversity in our community and support the Global Care Outreach Program
For more information about corporate sponsorship opportunities and grow your business by participating in the demographic shift of South Asian community, please contact Rani Sethi at (416) 930-8853 or ranis@sethifinancial.com.
Visit www.cmohc.com www.vishnumandir.com



Anand Bhavan

C/O Vishnu Mandir
8642 Yonge Street,
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4C 6Z4
CANADA

For more information on Anand Bhavan Seniors Home, please call 905-695-1837.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anand Bhavan Seniors Residence?
Anand Bhavan Seniors Residence is a rental apartment building with 25 units. It was completed in 2010, and is owned and operated by Voice of the Vedas Cultural Sabha Inc., which established the Vishnu Mandir temple in the early 1980s. 
Funding for this building was provided through the Affordable Housing Program, donations from the community, as well as other sources.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact Dr. Kuvear Balbahadur at 905-886-1724, or send an email to anandbhavan@rogers.com.
How much rent will I pay?
Units are rented at ‘affordable market rent’ which is set below the average market rent in the Richmond Hill area. 
Who can live in this building?
Tenants must show they meet all of the following criteria:
  • All members in the household are at least 65 years old
  • All household members are legal residents of Canada or refugee claimants
  • No household member owes money to any social housing provider
  • No household member is under a deportation, departure or exclusion order to leave Canada
  • No household member has been convicted of an offence related to rent-geared-to-income assistance
  • No household member has been found by a court of law or the Landlord and Tenant Board to have misrepresented their income for the purpose of rent geared-to-income assistance
  • Tenants must be able to live independently in the unit, with or without support services
  • The combined household income for all members of the household cannot be higher than the Household Income Limit set for Affordable Housing Program funded units by the Regional Municipality of York
What documentation do I need to have to prove residency in Canada?
Documentation must clearly indicate your legal right to be in Canada. This may include, but is not limited to:
  • a copy of your Canadian birth certificate,
  • landed immigrant papers, permanent resident card, or
  • documents supporting your claim for refugee status
What does ‘living independently’ mean?
An individual is considered to be able to live independently if he or she is able to perform the normal essential activities of day-to-day living; or can do so with the aid of support services and demonstrates that those support services will be provided when they are required. The applicant must arrange support services.
How long will it take for me to be offered a unit?
The amount of time before a unit comes available can vary depending on the type of unit you choose.
  • I own my own home. Can I apply for a unit in Anand Bhavan?
  • If you own your own home, you may apply to live in Anand Bhavan Seniors Residence.
What documentation do I need to have to prove household income?
You must provide a copy of the most recent Notice of Assessment received from Canada Revenue Agency for income taxes for each member of the household that will live in the unit. 
Additional documentation must clearly show the amount of monthly income and the source for all household members. This may include, but is not limited to copies of the following:
  • Letter from an employer, on company letterhead showing the firm’s address and telephone number, declaring the monthly income for each employed individual,
  • Copies of recent bank statements showing deposits from pensions, allowances, government assistance and other sources,
  • Copy of a current Ontario Drug Benefit card, and
  • Copy of a recent Employment Insurance Itemized Statement of Benefits Paid
What if my application is not complete?
If you have not completed all sections of the application form, or if you have not included the required documents, we will send your application back to you without placing you on the waiting list.
How are applicants selected for units?
Only applicants with fully completed applications are added to the waiting lists. 
Affordable market rent units are offered to the most suitable household that is at the top of the list. 
Households will be interviewed and must give approval for credit and landlord checks to be done before the unit is offered. 
What types of units are available?
The building contains a mix of 18 standard one-bedroom, 3 barrier-free one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments.
What if my information or situation changes after I submit my application?
It is your responsibility to keep your file up to date. If your contact information or gross household income changes, you must notify us. If we send you a letter and it is returned undeliverable, your application may be removed from the waiting list.
What features are special about this building?
The building includes a meeting area, dining area, activity area and kitchen area. Meals may be served to residents under a separate support service arrangement. Tenants may rent a parking space in the parking area adjacent to the building. TV Cable is available at an additional cost. A laundry room with two coin-operated washing machines and two dryers is available on the ground floor.
The building and all grounds are designated as non-smoking areas. This includes the apartment suites.
Units are furnished and include a refrigerator, cooktop, and microwave. 

How to Complete this Application

  • Please Print Clearly.
  • If you need more space to write your response, please attach a separate piece of paper.
  • All sections must be completed in full. If you do not complete all sections of this application form, or do not include all citizenship documentation or income for all household members, we will send your application back without placing you on the waiting list.
    Please make sure you have:
  • Completed all sections of the form
  • Signed pages 5 and 6
  • Included copies of Canadian birth certificates, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, landed immigrant, permanent resident card or refugee claimant documents for ALL members of the household
  • Provided confirmation of total household income before taxes for every household member that will be living in the unit 
Your completed application can be mailed or delivered to:
Anand Bhavan Seniors Residence
c/o Vishnu Mandir
Attention: Dr. Kuvear Balbahadur
8642 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 6Z4

Applications will not be accepted by fax.
If you are delivering your application, please submit it at the reception in the temple on the lower level and sign the form so we have a record of your application being submitted.

Soldiers' Memorial

Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, October 2, is universally declared as “World Peace Day”. On this fitting day, the CMOHC unveiled a monument dedicated to Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Canada’s peace keeping efforts. Canadian soldiers have displayed extraordinary courage and have helped to eradicate the very roots of conflict that vitiate global peace. Through the creation of this monument, the Indo-Canadian community, led by CMOHC and its donors, offers its respect and gratitude to our armed forces.
Aptly called the “Memorial to the Fallen Soldier”, this magnificent monument captures the glory and heroism of our armed forces. Shaped as a maple leaf, it is exquisitely carved in black and Imperial red granite. Standing at a towering 12 feet tall, the monument weighs over 15 tons. As a symbol of peace and patriotism, it is placed next to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the museum site in Richmond Hill.

Wall of Peace

The Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization created the Wall of Peace to send a message of harmony among all religions and to stimulate peace consciousness in all nations.  This wall depicts warfare throughout human history and is unique because it consists of personalities and symbols of major religions including; Lord Mahavir of Janisim, Lord Buddha, Lord Jesus Christ, Shri Guru Nanak of Sikhisim, Star of David, The Symbol of Islam, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and the Aluminum of Hinduism.
The purpose of the wall of peace is to remind us that as long as there has been brutality, there have also been individuals who rejected the arguments for violence and advocated peace and justice for all.  The people commemorated on the Wall of Peace overcame extreme personal deprivation and danger to bring about significant changes in the world.  Despite the constant repression and peril they faced, they preserved knowing that only non-violence and compassion can truly change the world.
Hinduism regards all religions as true paths to the same God, stressing that inner peace comes through enlightenment and the appreciation of the laws of the universe.  Hinduism also holds by following the teachings of the enlightened we may learn to be accepting of others.  Enlightened ones and their followers are often peace activists.  It is a matter of our survival that we learn how to live in peace together.  There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way.

Montessori School

The school is the brain child of Dr.Budhendra Doobay, President of Vishnu Mandir. The school was officially opened September 2006. It is fully licensed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Dr. Doobay’s main goal was for parents to feel safe and secure when dropping their children off for childcare. His vision for the children was for them to be in an environment where they can excel in both the Ontario curriculum and learn about our Hindu religion.
Highlights of our School
  • Music & Dance class – Children get the chance to learn Classical & Bollywood dance from a professional dance teacher.
  • French Class - Once a week, the children will begin to learn French. Topics include: Colours, Days of the week, Months, and basic conversation.
  • Hindi Class – Hindi class will be held twice a week. Children will learn the alphabet, numbers, colours and other simple words and sentences. The kindergarten children will begin to write in Hindi.
  • Value Education - Children will learn the core lessons of growing up and being a good citizen in our society.
Our Program
At V.O.V Academy of Learning, we believe that by providing a safe and happy environment for early childhood learning, we are enabling each child to maximize his or her potential.
We want to provide a stimulating and challenging program that will lead to the full all round development of the children in its care.
Currently, we offer Preschool and Kindergarten full-time and part-time programs which is ages 2 ½ to 6 years. We are also in the process of starting a Toddler program where the age group would range from 18 months to 2 years. Enrolment for the toddler program is now open.

What's included

  • Hot Vegetarian Lunch
  • Hindi & French Class
  • Music & Dance Class
  • Snacks
  • Before and After Care

Testimonials

Our son has been attending the VOV program since September 2010. Initially we were hesitant to switch him from his current program, but we had heard many great things about the VOV Montessori Program.
As soon as we toured the facilities and met the staff, we knew that this program would be a good fit for our son. His teachers have provided him with the necessary care and attention that he needed to initially settle in and become accustomed to this new setting. He has been provided with a warm, caring and nurturing environment that is conducive to his learning. As well, we feel comforted by the fact that he receives nutritious, vegetarian meals, which was an issue at his previous daycare. His teachers encourage learning through different modalities. The various field trips, weekly theme-related activities and guest speakers, and exposure to songs, sports, dance, prayers and scripts in Hindi and French have enhanced his overall learning and development. Learning and teaching occur in naturalistic situations and through play-based activities, mixed in with more structured academic tasks.
Overall, we are extremely satisfied with the care and learning that our son has received while at the VOV program. We continue to see him grow, develop and learn new skills. We feel happy and comfortable leaving him each day, knowing that he is surrounded by loving, caring and nurturing individuals.
- A proud preschool parent
The VOV Montessori is one of the best things that we could have done for our children. The school strikes the perfect balance between academics, culture and the Hindu religion. Attention is given to each child's unique needs and learning styles by caring teachers who are genuinely motivated to help each student succeed. The nurturing environment in which our children were taught has given them the knowledge to be proud of their culture and the confidence to succeed wherever life may lead them.


Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                             



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )



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