Computer Classes for Seniors
With great pride the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre started Basic Computer Classes for our Seniors in September 2009. It started with 35 students ranging in age from 60 to 84. All day classes were held on Sunday and Wednesday. The purpose of these classes was to provide basic knowledge and confidence to our seniors in using computers. Some of them have access to a computer at home but were hesitant to use it. By attending these classes, seniors have learned how to use a computer including how to create an e-mail ID, use email as a means of communication, surf the internet, and basic usage of word processing capabilities. The Seniors were fascinated by the ability to write e-mails in the Gujarati language.
These classes are conducted by our Board-of-Trustees Chairman Shri Thakorbhai Vansh. Thakorbhai holds Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from USA, and is a retired executive from IBM. He has 36 years of experience with computers and loves to teach our seniors.
Our first graduating class were dedicated to learning as demonstrated by their willingness to commute long distances by taxi or bus to attend. This group of Senior's completed their course in December and certificates were given to 14 who completed course. Special recognition was given to following three seniors:

Bhanuben Pithadia - Sharing and Caring - a Social Bee Award

Hansaben Desai - Most Enthusiastic Learner Award

Bhaskarbhai Bhatt - Most Practical user of Training Award

The second group of senior's started classes on January 10, 2010. We do have a waitlist of seniors wishing to attend the course. We are in the process of starting another class during the week.
All seniors who are attending Sanatan Mandir and are members of our Seniors' Club are encouraged to take advantage of these classes. We are also in process of starting English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. If you are interested to join any of these classes, please see Thakorbhai Vansh on Sunday's from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm or call him at 905-426-6008.
Congratulations to the following seniors for completing Basic Computer Course:

India Republic Day - January 26th, 2010
The Republic Day of India (26th January) was celebrated at the Mandir by devotees on 31 January. The Indian-flag hoisting was led by Bhailalbhai Patel while devotees enthusiastically sang India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana Adhinayak Jai Hai". It was followed by an equally-enthusiastic singing of Canada's national anthem, "O Canada, Our Home and Native Land".
We are privileged in Canada to have the freedom to celebrate our heritage through events such as this. Indeed, as Dhārmic adherents with strong ties to India and Gujarāt, the celebration of our heritage allows us to be stronger contributors to the Canadian mosaic.

Bhailalbhai Patel (holding flag-string) unfurls Indian flag

Bhailalbhai Patel, Ashokbhai Joshi (SMCC President), Savitaben Patel (VP of Seniors Club) and Pujari Dharmendrabhai Bhatt lead the singing of Indian and Canadian national anthems.