Friday, October 23, 2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

How does multiculturalism benefit Canadian Society?·


“Civilizations will be judged the way they treat minorities.” M K Gandhi

How does multiculturalism benefit Canadian Society?·
* Economically, it makes us stronger and more competitive.·
* Socially, it makes sure everyone can feel at home in Canada and ...brings people together as equal and active citizens.·
* Culturally, it broadens our perspectives and contributes to our distinctive Canadian identity.·
* Internationally, it strengthens Canada’s reputation and influence in the world.

Happy Diwali

We are celebrating Diwali with friends in Edmonton today. Wish you all enjoy this wonderful 'Festival of Lights', a great gift to our multiculturalism from India. Fill your life with love and light and prosperity.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

DARE TO DREAM


A couple of days back I received an email from my former instructor at Campbell College enquiring about my whereabouts and what I was doing now? I told her that my passion for learning is continuing and that I am taking a “Speech-craft Course”. I also told her that I would be delivering my first 5-6 minute speech. She was delighted and wished me the best of luck.

So here I am, making my first speech – part of the Speech-craft Course to improve my communication skills, to organize my thoughts, to speak in front of audiences, and convey my message clearly, effectively and meaningfully.

My assignment is to introduce myself. The purpose is to provide you a brief biography of myself and share my life.

I am dividing my presentation in four different parts: Early childhood and youth; employment and raising a family; moving to Canada; and my current activities.

1. Early Childhood and Youth:

I come from a remote village in southern India, where I was born and brought up. There was no local school until 1947. The country was under the British rule. So at the age of seven I started studying in a school established after India became independent. After completing my junior high school, I moved to the nearest town where I graduated with a Higher Secondary Diploma in the year 1959. Then I joined the Arts & Science College in Warangal for my pre-university course. I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in the year 1966. In 1971, I completed my Bachelor of Education degree.

2. Employment and Raising a Family:

I married Vijayalakshmi in the year 1968. I was already working as a High School teacher at that time.

My wife, Vijayalakshmi and I have three children. We call them our sweet Three Aparna, Ajay and Anupama were my students in a school where I was working. All the three children proceeded for higher education and are now successful in their careers as scientists and software developers. They specialized in their training, selected partners of their choice and eventually moved to North America.

3. Moving to Canada:

After my retirement, my wife and I moved to Edmonton to be close to our children and grandchildren. One of the reasons I wanted to come to Canada was the people. I have found the people here are extraordinarily kind and friendly. I would like to think I have those qualities as well. I would also like to think my personality and my continuing contributions appeal to them.

4. My Current Activities:

I am an active person, a player and not a spectator. This has been my dream. As result of my passion, I have been involved with many people and groups. Soon after my arrival in Edmonton, I joined the Andhra Cultural Association, Edmonton Ankur Multicultural Association for Performing Arts and the New Democratic Party of Alberta. To reach my full potential and to fulfill my responsibilities, I have completed various courses, namely LINC and the Administrative Professional Diploma. I am now enrolled in Speech-craft course.

In NDP, I have met several committed individuals with similar interests and values. They have all inspired me and are enabling me to stick with my vision. I dream for a just society. People like Bob Price, Charan, Cynthia and Bohdan and others are unique people on our team whose encouragement helps me in my daily life and in the pursuit of my dreams. I personally share their social democratic principles and their strong belief in equality and social justice.

What do I expect to acquire from these new experiences? I should be in a position to accept a leadership role if situation demands. I hope I will reach that potential with the help of my associates.

I believe in dreaming big. I had dreamt of my children’s success and happiness. I had dreamt of coming to Canada. Many of my dreams have materialized. Now I have some advice to give to others in my position.

Dare to dream! Dare to fulfill and dare to conquer! Start dreaming big building foundations. Dream big because dreams do come true.

Thank you

Somayya Kasani

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Very sad news - Balagopal is no more





Dr. Balagopal is ordinary individual who lead an extraordinary life:
“I won't let a little thing like having no body to go with stop me from going to the beach... ”: Dr. K. Balagopal

We can lead either of two kinds of lives: An ordinary life or an extraordinary life. When we lead an ordinary life, we move along with the current of your desires, preoccupied in fulfilling our own goals, aims and agendas. Ordinary beings are only conscious of their own life. Extraordinary beings are conscious of their life and are also constantly aware of their fellow beings lives.

Where ever you go, go with all your heart...


The heart is forever making the head it's tool. A person's world is only as big as their heart is.

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. The best relationship is the one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Helen Keller

Helen Keller, born in Tuscumbia in northwest Alabama, learned to speak at the age of 10 by putting her hands on Sullivan's mouth when she talked. She eventually graduated from Radcliffe College, then the women's branch of Harvard University, and became a prolific author and speaker who was endowed with numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She died in 1968.

The statue of Helen Keller will be "a wonderful addition" to the National Statuary Hall.


Friday, October 02, 2009

Gandhi Statue Installation in Bellevue

A life size statue of Mahatma Gandhi is being gifted to state of Washington by The Government of India and this is being installed & unveiled in Bellevue Regional Library on 10/17/2009.

The ground breaking ceremony for this event and the 140th birthday of Gandhiji (Gandhi Jayanthi) are observed with celebration at Bellevue Regional Library on 10/2/2009.







You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Poverty is the worst form of violence.
All crime is a kind of disease and should be treated as such.
No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.
Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide.
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.