It was Happy Diwali, indeed, as the Hindu intergenerational community gathered, with their invited guests, to celebrate Festival of Lights, Saturday, November 2nd at the Hindu Temple, St. John’s, NL. Joy reigned throughout the evening, demonstrated in personal greetings, vibrant, colourful clothing and in the energetic, creative dancing and drama from the very young, older children, teens and adults. The Premier, The Honourable Andrew Furey, Member of Parliament Joanne Thompson, and Councilor Jill Bruce brought greetings and heart-felt appreciation for the cultural gifts and contribution of the Hindu community, individually and collectively, to our city, province and country. Charity is an essential aspect of Diwali; this year, financial gifts were presented to The Gathering Place and MUN Food Bank. The celebrative program concluded with flavourful food and lively conversation. Jai Ragunathan, President of Hindu Temple, was our welcoming host throughout the evening; Jai also is a RSAC Director. Veeresh Gadag, RSAC Treasurer, was present also with his warm hospitality.

Shown in the photos: Marion Pardy, Chair, RSAC; Jai Ragunathan, President, Hindu Temple; Member of Parliament, Joanne Thompson, St. John’s East; Hindu Temple Festival of Lights Entrance

TOGETHER WE CAN END POVERTY

Articles you will want to read re guaranteed livable basic income –

WELCOME

The Religious Social Action Coalition is a gathering of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and others who seek to eliminate poverty in our province and country.

Our focus: A Guaranteed Livable Income and Fairness Impact Studies (akin to gender impact and environmental impact studies to ensure "fairness for all" in major government policies).

“Shana Tovah” (Happy New Year or ‘Good New Year’, Hebrew translation) to members of our Jewish communities.

Rosh Hashanah, begins with sunset, October 2 and ends with sunset, October 4th and marks the beginning of the new year and ten “days of awe,” culminating with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On Rosh Hashanah, God inscribes the names of those who will live and those who will die in the Book of Life. However, the decision is not final until Yom Kippur, ten days later. The contrast between the two holidays could not be greater: On Rosh Hashanah, Jews eat festive meals and share foods like apples and honey that remind them of the sweetness of life. Yom Kippur is the day of atonement: Jews fast from sundown to sundown, praying to live for another year. As the day progresses, prayers become more intense. Yom Kippur concludes at sundown, when Jews gather to break the fast.

With Jews everywhere, but especially in the Middle East and Canada, we lament the tragic situation there. May this prayer, offered by The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, be our prayer for them at this critical time.

structure

The Religious Social Action Coalition is comprised of ten directors. There are representatives from the Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Muslim and Hindu religious communities.

the many facets of poverty

DIRECTORS

Poverty is general scarcity or dearth, or the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money.
It is a multifaceted concept, which includes social,economic political elements.
Poverty seems to be chronic or temporary,and most of the time it is closely related to inequality.
As a dynamic concept,poverty is changing and adapting according to consumption patterns,social dynamics and technological change.