The South Asian community, largely the Dalit community of the lower mainland, has raised $20,000 for the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Room as the Surrey Centre Library, “Firstly, we would like to congratulate you and express our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to you for raising more than $20,000 for the Dr. Ambedkar Room at Surrey Center Library. This means that the name of Dr. Ambedkar Room will now remain in effect until 2032!  This is also the only room in Surrey public institutes that displays portrait of Dr. Ambedkar since 2012,” said Surjit Bains, Chair, Fundraising Initiative and Treasurer Chetna Association of Canada.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – The South Asian community, largely the Dalit community of the lower mainland, has raised $20,000 for the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Room as the Surrey Centre Library,

“Firstly, we would like to congratulate you and express our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to you for raising more than $20,000 for the Dr. Ambedkar Room at Surrey Center Library. This means that the name of Dr. Ambedkar Room will now remain in effect until 2032!  This is also the only room in Surrey public institutes that displays portrait of Dr. Ambedkar since 2012,” said Surjit Bains, Chair, Fundraising Initiative and Treasurer Chetna Association of Canada.

“Some of you made a donation of $50 and others made donations of $1000. Some of you made donations in other amounts ranging from $100 to $500.  Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) donated $2500 for this noble cause!  Whatever the supporters were able to contribute, is much appreciated.”

The year 2022 also provides opportunities to observe two major milestones:

  1. The 40th anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver).  Ravidassia community of Vancouver has come a long way over the past forty years. We are thankful to the elders and founders for providing a forum and  space for the community to gather, socialize, exchange updates, pay respects, and worship.  Thank you.
  2. The year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of India's independence, a nation that provides a constitution and legal framework built on principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity.  Dr. Ambedkar believed in transformation through democratic means, not revolution by shedding blood. It is true that much transformation is still needed and there are many times when we have setbacks. Nonetheless, we are grateful for the foundation Dr. Ambedkar and many other freedom fighters created for the future generations. Now it is up to the current generation to ensure the vision of these great human beings is realized.

“Thank you everyone for your generous support. We will be planning ceremony to officially present the donation to the Surrey Libraries and will update you,” Bains added. “Once again, please accept our thanks for your generosity and support.”

Bains also sent out congratulations on the 40th anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) and the 75th anniversary of Independence of India!