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Centre for Conscious Awareness – Canada celebrated its 16th anniversary at the beautiful Venue Event Space in Vaughan. The event opened with a captivating performance by Toronto-based guqin artist Atom Wang, followed by a presentation from the CCA-Canada team on our charity’s mission and core philosophy.

We were honored to welcome distinguished community leaders, including Regional Councillors Gino Rosati and Mario G. Racco, as well as Member of Parliament Michael Guglielmin, who each delivered inspiring remarks. Joining us from CMHA York Region and South Simcoe, Psychogeriatric Case Manager Maia Tavadze highlighted the organization’s work in promoting mental wellness.

We were privileged to hear from Satya Arora, who shared her community contributions in Markham and her work with the Race Relations and Accessibility Advisory Committees.

A central highlight of the event was an address by CCA founder Srinivas Arka, who spoke on the authentic journey toward cultivating wellness and led the audience through a meaningful physical gesture of “Centre for Conscious Awareness.”

During the Q&A session, Srinivas addressed three key questions:

1. “How do we know we’re making progress in our wellness journey when change is happening slowly and quietly?”
2. “If wellness isn’t a destination, how can we stay motivated to remain committed to the journey?”
3. “Looking back, what small wellness-based habit or decision has had the greatest impact on your life?”

Key quotes from Srinivas Arka at the event:

• “Beauty radiates only when we have removed all contradictions in our consciousness totally about ourselves.”
• “Motivation is for the mind, inspiration is for the heart.”
• “We cannot glow effectively or optimally unless we accept and acknowledge in full gratitude our past, our roots, our origin, our home.”

The event concluded with an incredible performance by Eden Cecilia (vocalist and pianist) and Garryn Greg (vocalist and guitarist), who brought the afternoon to a close with a rich and diverse musical experience.

Special thank you to Massage Addict for generously donating a 1-hour massage voucher for our raffle prize.

This event was co-hosted by the enthusiastic and professional duo of Ava Calvieri and Mackenzie Williams, University of Guelph students hired through the Canada Summer Jobs Youth Employment program. Special thanks to Jessica Franey, Youth Administrative Co-ordinator, who organized the event.