Back Grounds
History
A HUMBLE BEGINNING
Federation of Gujarati Associations was formed on September 9, 1979. Its main purpose was to unite the Gujarati speaking community of Toronoto and co-ordinate the social and cultural activities.
One of its major aspiration is to present innovative programmes in folk and classical music and folk dances of India. However, its activities are not onlu restricted to Indian music and folk dances, but cover a wide spectrum of programmes in education, social welfare, religion, youth activities and providing information and services to new immigrants.
Thorough these various activities our endeavour is to promote better understanding between the people of Canada and share our ancestral heritage with other Canadians.
EDUCATION
Our mother tongue can be a powerful instrument in preserving our heritage. It is therfore desirable that all Gujarati speaking students reach a level of proficiency in Gujarati. With this belief, F.O.G.A. with the help of its dedicated principal, teachers and members of the education committee operates four Gujarati schools in different locations of Metro Toronto. We are indebted to the Federal, Provincial and the Municipal governments for providing the major funding for these schools. The deficit in operating the schools is undertaken by F.O.G.A.
The education project had been undertaken with a humble belief that there will be a complete support from the community. However, since we are living in the western world, it is becoming extremely difficult to achieve our language objectives. English being for their children.
Languages are tools that enrich everday life - opening doors to new cultures and ideas. We should not loose sight that it is through Gujarati language that we could pass on our cultural heritage to future generations.
VIDHYA VIHAR:
We firmly beleive that religion is a mighty and potent force which has sustained human race. A true religion seeks to statisfy material as well as spritual needs of human beings. Both constitutes life. Vedic religion has reconciled the two and has given us the best of both the worlds.
Within the framework of this philosophy F.O.G.A. has made an attempt to enter into the realm of religious education through Vidhya Vihar. ( a branch of F.O.G.A ) Vidhya Vihar also cibdycts classes in music and folk dances. This year it is organizing the first youth camp in North America for the Gujaratis.
SOCIAL WELFARE:
We are fortunate in Canada that all levels of governments have taken the resposibility to finance the welfare needs parental guidance, marriage, death in the family etc,
F.O.G.A. out of compassion some may call it the deep seated guilt feelings of the community's conscience and also out of the religious injunction to look after our fellow man in need, has ventured into this noble field. With a benevolent spirit F.O.G.A, has already given financial aid to needy families.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
To discuss common problems encountered by our youngsters, a youth conference was held in Toronto. The discussion centered around three aspects as perceived by Our youth; Social- Cultural, Educational and Religious. As expected the three topics repeatedly overlapped. One of the major recommendation of the youth conference was as follows:
The Conference was the first experience for all of us. Low attendance was noticable. However, the feelings among the people who attended were positive that the problems could be solved. They enjoyed being able to get together to discuss and share their thoughts.
BUILDING:
We are confident that the Gujarati Community will give their full support to F.O.G.A. . It has a building and it could be devised to share the use of the facilities, specially for smaller gatherings like marriages, parties, Gujarati and religious classes etc.
PERFORMING ARTS:
To encourage excellence in performing arts, F.O.G.A. conducts Rass-Garba and Folk Dance Competition. For the last four year, some of the best teams in North America are competing for the excellence awards.
SERVICE TO NEW IMMIGRANTS:
The Gujarati community is fortunate in having a large number of business, trades and professional people to provide guidance to new immigrants. F.O.G.A. in co-operation with Indian Immigrant's Aid Society provides free information service to new Gujarati Immigrants.
CONCLUSION:
It is a law of nature that all thar is true, lofty and noble abides forever and revived sometimes in one form or the other. With such hope animating our attempts, if we try to revive our glorious traditions, we may succeed in our endeavour.