Events
Highlights of the past events
Losar 2022
Gurukul Nepali Pathshala hosted a virtual Losar celebration via Zoom on February 05, 2022 with the participation of about 100 people. It was a joint venture between WaW Centre and three Edmonton based communities: Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa. The event started with the presentation of Losar dhoon by a group of local Edmonton musicians. Anju Gurung was the event facilitator who also had a PowerPoint presentation on Gurung Losar. Similarly Jangmu Sherpa presented on Sherpa Losar and Ganesh Lama o0n Tamang Losar. Among other highlights were Losar-related songs and dances. There were many recorded as well as live cultural performances through the event.
10th Gurukul Day
Gurukul Nepali Pathshala held Gurukul day celebration/Gurukul anniversary at Dawson Park (10298 89 St NW) on June 26, 2022 from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Having 'Walk for Happiness' a theme, the event was held in the form of a short walk, walking meditation facilitated by Durga Luitel , formal program plus food, songs, dances, and games.
Gurukul students 2021/2022 were distributed with their achievement report cards whereas Volunteers who contributed in the school year, were awarded with certificates of appreciation as well as gift cards. There were lively songs, dances and games in the events. Our sincere thanks go to Arjun Rasailai, Modanath Khanal, and Santosh Kunwar for their kind hands in food sponsorship.
Bhanu Jayanti 2022
Gurukul celebrated 109th Bhanu Jayanti on July 17, 2022 at Hawrelak Park Edmonton, in the presence of the general public who love Nepali literature and some Edmonton based poets. Poems were recited by a number of well established poets as well as some young and aspiring poets. Pritha Niraula ( one of the Gurukul’s Students), Pradhotan Niraula, Subha Luitel, Jyoti Pradhan, Shambhavi Nepal, Manita Thapa, Gyanbir Thapa, Shova Khanal and Anmolmani Poudel were among the poets who entertained the audience with their literary creations. Two senior participants visiting from Nepal were Sangita Basnet and ( sekhar’s Dad) who also recited their poems.
Shrijana Basnet, Gurukul Ex teacher and a local Nepali poet facilitated the event in which Sunita Gurung, WaW President, welcomed the audience with her opening remarks. Modanath Khanal, a local Sanskrit Scholar shaded light on Bhanu Bhakta’s contribution in Nepali literature with the recitation of verses from Ramayana. The participants also enjoyed snacks and drinks offered by WaW volunteers.
Durga Puja 2022
Gurukul offered its students an opportunity to have first hand experience of rituals of Durga Puja on the 9th of October, 2021, Students were arranged to sit in front of the Puja area in their respective homes along with their family members to offer Puja. Gurukul Ex teacher, Shambhabhi Nepal, facilitated the event. 90 plus participants including Gurukul students, parents, and teachers were present to perform the Puja. Teacher Manita Thapa very effectively highlighted the essence of the celebration. Parents were very thankful to the School for its initiatives to teach the value of Durga Puja that virtue is rewarded and vice is punished.
Dashain Group Tika 2022
Gurukul Neplai Pathshala celebrated October 8, 2022 as a Dashian event in the school holding a group Tika ceremony in which 17 parents/ grandparents visiting from Nepal offered tika and blessings to about 125 people from Nepalese Canadian families from Edmonton and surroundings. They chanted Sanskrit mantra praying Hindu deities to safeguard each of the tika receivers as well as all the mankind.
On the occasion, the school also offered Nepalese cultural food associated with the festival to all the participants. Beside the WaW Centre, Arjun Rasaili and Sarju Ranjit, two aspiring Nepalese entrepreneurs in Edmonton put forward their kind hands for food donation. The event was facilitated by Neelam Poudel and the school principal, Rajita Sharm had a closing remark.
New Year Celebration cum Gurukul Awaz Release, April 17, 2021
Gurukul Nepali Pathshala and We and the World Centre, celebrated Nepali new year 2078 virtually via zoom on Saturday April 17, 2021. The program was attended by around 100 people including WaW members and families, school staff, students and their families along with other well wishers connected from different cities of Canada. The fun filled event lasted for 1 hour and 45minutes.
The program’s main highlights were exchange of new year greetings, release of Gurukul Awaz (Gurukul Book), and showcase of students’ learning and other entertaining activities. On the occasion Prof. Modanath Khanal, the Chief Editor of Heritage Publication Team, shed light on the historic and cultural value of the book while the digital as well as paper copies of the book were displayed on the screen to formally release the book. Special attraction of the event was the compilation of video clips of individual students that included their songs, dances, poems and hymn recitations, storytelling and other day to day activities.
The event was hosted by Swornima Rana, ex student and current volunteer teacher of Gurukul and co-hosted by Prasiddhi Kandel, our current level 6 student. Mr. Krishna Uprety, Director of Heritage Language and Literary program, delivered the opening remarks, while Ms. Sunita Gurung, President of We and the World Centre extended new years greetings to all the members, students and the guests. Lastly, Ms. Rajita Sharma, Principal, Gurukul Nepali Pathshala formally closed the program with vote of thanks.
Gurukul Nepali Pathshala organized “Samuhik Deusi Bhailo” on October 26
As a part of heritage learning for the children and a grand festival for all the community members, Gurukul children including parents and community members played SAMUHIK DEUSI BHAILO on October 26, 2019. The main objective of organizing such a program is to promote experimental learning of the Nepali culture and festival in a fun- filled setting to the second generation of Nepalese Canadians. On the occasion, all the participants were considered as the host of the event and the event was organized in three different locations, including the school. More that 350 community members, including Gurukul children participated in the event at all the three locations. Prasad/lunch/supper was provided by parents and teachers of the school, and also by the hosting family. As per Nepali tradition the hosts offer Dakshina (donation) to Deuse (the participants), believing that these offerings would reduce the effect of their sins and expiate the misdeeds committed knowingly or unknowingly. Gurukul children were able to collect the sum of $4282.00 as dakshina during the event. All the proceeds from the event will go to Gurukul Nepali Pathshala fund for the smooth running of its activities. Gurukul Nepal of Edmonton would like extend its gratitude to Mrs Sunita Gurung and Mr Modnath Khanal for hosting the event at their respective residences.
Dashain 2019 - SAMUHIK DASHAIN TIKA AT GURUKUL NEPALI PATHSHALA
Gurukul Nepali Pathshala celebrated Dashain by organizing a collective dashain tika on October 12, 2019 at the Gurukul school premises as a part of heritage learning for the children and a grand festival for all community members. On this occasion, Gurukul children, their parents and other community members received tika and blessings from senior parents/grandparents who are on a short visit to see their children in Edmonton. There were 14 seniors who gave their blessings and put on tika on the foreheads of around 150 community members. Pandit Padam Prasad Bhattarai from Biratnagar, Nepal worshipped the Tika and Jamara with holi mantra and initiated the ceremony. During the celebration, Pandit Bhattarai and Mr Dhaneshwor Subedi gave short speeches on the importance of Dashain Festival. There were cultural performances by Gurukul children followed by Prasad/lunch which was sponsored by Bhim Gaha of ‘Himalyan Village restaurant’. Organizing this type of event is found to be very effective to create a bonding and connection among members of the community who come from the different parts of Nepal. They get to experience the feel of their native land in Canada which is their new home now. We and the World Center would like to thank all the attendees including Gurukul children, grand/parents, sponsors and community members for their continued support.
Dashain 2019 - Durga Puja at Gurukul Nepali Pathshala
Like every year this year also We and the World Centre organized Durga Puja on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami. The puja was held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 16020 104 Ave, Gurukul Nepali Pathshala location between 11:30-3:30 pm. The program was led by Govinda Dhungana, Director of Heritage Language and Literary Program (HLLP) and Krishna Upreti, Program Coordinator (HLLP). The puja was facilitated by Rajita Luitel, Principal of Gurukul School along with students of the School and their parents. The program was then followed by Kanya/Kumar Puja, Bhajan/Kirtan and Prasad Grahan. Overall, the program was enjoyed by all the members of We and the World Centre and guests.
Dashain 2019 - Art event at Gurukul Nepali Pathshala
2019 - YDCCDC Training
Youth Development Conference
We and the World in collaboration with Action For Healthy Communities organized Youth Leadership Conference on August 30, 2019, in Edmonton, Alberta. Over 35 youth from different communities participated in the conference. The keynote was delivered by Dr. S.N. Subba Rao, who is known for his inspiring camps through which he educated over 2000,000 adults, youth and children across the globe. The focus of the conference was teamwork, karma yoga, group discussion, and group games.
The conference started with a breathing practice and a prayer with an added awareness of “cosmic source of energy’. After that Dr. Subba Rao introduced himself and spoke about community services, leadership and world peace sharing his own experiences and interesting stories.
Further, youths learned in group and demonstrated their talents--public speaking, flute, karate, French and Spanish languages. Towards the end of the event, Dr. Subba Rao introduced another game called “how many how many”. In the end, participants were asked for feedback and suggestions about the program. They showed their interest in offering their leadership learning to serve the community. They also wanted to have such events on a regular basis so they can unitedly contribute to the community as much as possible.
In the presence of the Board and life members of We and the World Centre Dr. Subba Rao and Project Lead Suraj Khatiwada from Action for Healthy Communities gave away the certificates of competition to all participants.
Child Development Camp
Dr. S N Subba Rao shared his wisdom and stories with 32 participants in this camp. There were 22 children and 10 volunteers. Volunteers helped to facilitate the activities and they also prepared food for the participants.
In this camp, the children learned about the importance of trees and how everyone should strive forward to protect the environment. Dr. Subba Rao encouraged children to be happy and grow up to become an ideal individual. He advised children to build the best character and follow the path of truth. The children learned that all human beings are equal, and everyone should respect others in their community irrespective of their color, race, religion or culture.
Children were mesmerized when Dr. Subba Rao talked about the life as well as work of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa. Everyone was enthused when they sang Dr. Martin Luther King’s “We Shall Over Come” and learned its meaning.
Teej 2019
Gurukul Winter Session Closing 2019
Gurukul Nepali Pathshala organized “Samuhik Deusi Bhailo” on October 26
As a part of heritage learning for the children and a grand festival for all the community members, Gurukul children including parents and community members played SAMUHIK DEUSI BHAILO on October 26, 2019. The main objective of organizing such a program is to promote experimental learning of the Nepali culture and festival in a fun- filled setting to the second generation of Nepalese Canadians. On the occasion, all the participants were considered as the host of the event and the event was organized in three different locations, including the school. More that 350 community members, including Gurukul children participated in the event at all the three locations. Prasad/lunch/supper was provided by parents and teachers of the school, and also by the hosting family. As per Nepali tradition the hosts offer Dakshina (donation) to Deuse (the participants), believing that these offerings would reduce the effect of their sins and expiate the misdeeds committed knowingly or unknowingly. Gurukul children were able to collect the sum of $4282.00 as dakshina during the event. All the proceeds from the event will go to Gurukul school fund for the smooth running of its activities. Gurukul Nepal of Edmonton would like extend its gratitude to Mrs Sunita Gurung and Mr Modnath Khanal for hosting the event at their respective residences.