Vayastha Sanchalan in Toronto on June 14th, 2003

Vayastha Sanchalans have always been historic events in the world of Swadhyay. However, the one held in Toronto, Canada was doubly significant, since it also signified the completion of twenty-five years of Swadhyay work in North America. In 1978, Dadaji sowed the seeds of Swadhyay work in this continent. Incidentally, during his visit in that year, he spent some time in the Niagara Falls area, not far from the location of the Vayastha Sanchalan on the 14^th of June, 2003.

The whole event was exclusively planned and executed by the Swadhyay Pariwar of Canada, an achievement in itself. Incidentally, it was also the first time that an event of this scale was held in Canada. The sheer numbers speak for themselves:  the total number of participants was 12,000, out of which 2,000 were from distant places in the US.

Two hundred Swadhyayees regularly went for devotional visits (Bhav-Pheri) in Toronto and surrounding areas. Almost 10,000 families were contacted, and even Swadhyayees from distant places in US joined them on these devotional visits. Another interesting fact was the large participation in these visits by the youth. They reached their goal of meeting 1,500 youths.  The extremely long Canadian winter with its subzero degree weather did not deter the Swadhyayees or their spirits.

There were several events which were the precursor to the main program. The Swadhyayee youths staged street plays in neighborhoods with a large Indian population in Toronto.  A total of thirty-six shows were held. Two Bike rallies were held by slogan-chanting youths. Each rally had approximately 100 participants and was escorted by Toronto police. Street plays and bike rallies have been part of major Swadhyay events in India; however, this was the first time that these were staged in North America.

The basketball stadium of Air Canada Center historically has been a venue of music concerts and basket; however, this day brought a unique cultural event. Toronto, for the first time in its history, witnessed a gathering of this magnitude for an event which had nothing to do with mass entertainment or spectator sports!

The entire stadium was tastefully decorated with different decorative pieces and large-sized banners prepared by Swadhyay Kendras from all over North America. The Vyaspeeth had an imaginative design. The designers had created an unique visual effect of the Niagara Falls along with a body of water in front with real mist! Pujya Didiji's Vyaspeeth was in a boat appearing to float on the water.

Didiji, on her arrival into the stadium, was greeted with a human chain of 200 youths. She was then taken around the stadium in an open jeep. The whole audience recited the Trikal Sandhya. Didiji then powerfully reiterated the incredible significance and importance of Trikal Sandhya in a person's life. It can take a person closer to the creator and give rise to gratitude and devotion. Ultimately, the realization of the indwelling presence of God gives rise to true self-esteem. The entire audience attentively listened to the discourse in total silence.

The event ended with a spell-binding, beautifully choreographed dance performance by 250 torch-carrying youths. In the course of the performance, accompanied by music and audiovisual effects, there were various formations in the shapes of cultural symbols like Om, Swastika, a lamp, etc.. The audience wildly applauded every movement in the performance.

The large-scale participation by the krutisheel youths in the event and in the organization of the event was one of the high-points of the event. This assumes extra significance, in light of the fact that they are, in most cases, second-generation Indian-origin young men and women who were born and raised in North America. Their main connection with Indian culture, religion, values, and heritage is Swadhyay. The Toronto youths were joined by some youths from places as far away as Chicago and New York.

Several dignitaries were present, including religious leaders representing different faiths like Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Political leaders and representatives from the academic world were present. One speaker was touched by the openness of the event, which encouraged participation by all human beings without any discrimination, and he made a specific reference to that fact in his remarks. This point was not lost on the media covering the event, either.

In the final analysis, the Toronto Vayastha Sanchalan was a triumph of the indomitable Swadhyay spirit.  The sheer explosive growth of Swadhyay work in North America in the first twenty-five years is a matter of historical record, while the next twenty-five years promise to be even more dramatic.