The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November because of a motion passed in April 2018 by the Board of Trustees. Further on December 8th, 2016, the Province of Ontario passed the Hindu Heritage Month Act, 2016 by declaring that the month of November in each year is proclaimed as Hindu Heritage Month.
The Hindu Heritage Month Act, 2016 states, Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community. Since the first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, Hindu Canadians from across Ontario have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, and sports. Hindu Canadians have helped build Ontario into the multicultural success story that it is and have helped to build this province into the best place to live, work and raise families. They continue to help foster growth, prosperity and innovation throughout Ontario.
Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hinduism and practiced by millions around the world today. November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion.
The theme this year selected by the TDSB Hindu Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee is: Bhoomi Devi: Our Sacred Mother Earth. Hinduism has a message of spiritual connectedness and oneness of the whole creation. Everything in creation, living and non-living, is seen as a manifestation of one supreme universal consciousness or cosmic energy. Hindu way of living, of being and of knowing emphasizes coexistence with nature in peace and harmony. The earth is honoured as Bhumata (mother earth) or Bhudevi (Earth as divine mother) - the divine creative force of nature.
Human interaction with mother nature is guided by remembering the law of karma (what we do to others, comes back to us) and Rtam (nature's own rhythms). Prakriti or nature, as mother, is seen as having a right to being protected - as opposed to humans having rights to use nature, as a commodity. Hindus are asked to interact with nature with a sense of reverence and gratitude, following dharma (our awareness about our duties to others, living and non-living) and Ahimsa, doing least harm.
We are excited to share the three winning images from our Hindu Heritage Month Poster Contest where all students across the system were invited to participate.
We encourage everyone to learn and enjoy the outdoors
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/learningoutdoors/Resources-for-your-Family/Outdoor
We’re also delighted to share with you a video to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month
Please follow us on Twitter: @tdsb_HHM