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.
Two years prior, on December 8 2016, the Province of Ontario passed the Hindu Heritage Month Act, 2016 which declared the month of November 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 forover 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.
This year’s theme is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum: The World is One Family.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit word in Hindu dharma that means, ‘The World is one Family.’ It is based on the spiritual idea that every human being is born with a divine spark and is a part of one divine universal consciousness. This ancient message of oneness aims to promote friendliness, acceptance, compassion, and a sense to belongingness towards all others, despite differences of culture, languages, or thoughts. The word Vasudhaiva means “earth” and therefore this message of caring and compassion is also meant for all living creatures and the non-living environment.
We are excited to share with you the three winning images below from our Hindu Heritage Month Poster Contest where all students across the system were invited to participate.
During the month of November several Hindu Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Hindu traditions. These offerings include primary students having an opportunity to engage in an author reading and various workshops.
The full video of the Hindu Heritage Month celebration held on October 26, 2023 is now available to view
Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter) for daily messages throughout the month of November: a@tdsb_HHM