We enjoyed a wonderful celebration event with charity founder, Srinivas Arka. Not only did we celebrate Srinivas Arka’s visit to North America (Canada and Mexico), but we took this opportunity to celebrate the 14 th anniversary of CCA-Canada. This event was co-ordinated by youth Elizabeth Webster and Jessica Franey as part of the Light of Learning Programme.

The event opened with a soothing harp performance by Charlotte Luk who also performed during registration to welcome attendees to the event. We had presentations on the recent events in UK, Mexico and Canada. In particular, Billu Magdani and Dipti Patel from CCA United Kingdom shared their experiences during their visit to Mexico and Canada.

Constable Jin Park, York Regional Police, offered 14 th anniversary congratulations to CCA-Canada. We have partnered with York Regional Police on numerous events over the years.

Youth musician, Lillian Ayoubzadeh shared her beautiful voice with the audience performing 3 songs, including a special rendition of Srinivas Arka’s Saaroogovaum. She also performed Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror and Leona Lewis’ Run.

Charity founder, Srinivas Arka, addressed challenging questions from youth on trauma.
1.⁠ ⁠How would you define trauma?
2.⁠ ⁠What daily habits or routines can aid in the healing process from traumatic experiences?
3.⁠ ⁠Is the experience of trauma necessary for growth?
4.⁠ ⁠Can suffering lead to personal enlightenment or transformation?
5.⁠ ⁠What role does forgiveness and reconciliation play in the process of healing?
6.⁠ ⁠Is it possible for someone to be fully healed from an experience that traumatizes them?

“I would treat trauma as a shocking, unforgettable event which negatively impacts our minds and emotions. Now, we have to move on from it. If we don’t move on, the world is going to make us move on. Time will bring changes in us, but we have to welcome the changes that are going to naturally happen. Nothing will stay stagnant forever. There’s always a way to overcome trauma, a predicament or hurdle because life always has the power to bounce back, the power to establish itself. That’s called life.”

“When you sow a seed in soil and then cover it with a heavy rock, then when it germinates, it starts sprouting and trying to overcome the difficulty and on the side you can see the plant is still growing. This shows that life has the power. It can grow, it can evolve, meaning there’s power in each seed, each species, each human being. But we should allow ourselves to unfold for that to happen. Meditation is one of the ways of experiencing the unity within us, between mind, heart, body, senses, intellect our cognition and so forth. We need to work internally to gather that strength. When we are scattered, our energy is not going to be good, so experiencing unity, the unified field of consciousness, will help.”

Daily habits for healing from trauma:

“Wake up with a positive note. Catch a glimpse of the sun. Drink water. Warm yourself up. Get some fresh air. Routine is important. It provides you with strength. Have your own routine to unfold the day, welcome the day. You can include meditation, exercise, singing and hobbies.”

Before and during dinner, The Organic Sound band made everyone clap their hands and tap their feet. Thank you to band members:
Vocals – Sangeet Mcan
Vocals – Samantha Waters
Guitar – Dearian Seepersad
Keyboard – Adam Pedzikiewicz

Francesco Sorbara, M.P. representative Anthony Chiovitti presented a certificate to CCA-Canada directors, honouring CCA-Canada’s 14 th anniversary.

The event was calmly and expertly guided by youth host, Elizabeth Webster.

Fundraising event entrance fee applicable