Living Gandhi's Legacy: Talks and Community Dialog Series
A Journey into Timeless Principles for Modern Life.
(Fearlessness by Lalith Gunaratne)
(Truth as a Way of Life by Dr. Bhuvanesh Awasthi)
(Food and Mindful Living by Dr. Navita Viveky)
(Personal Peace & Inner Harmony by Dr. Priya Gaba)
(Non-violence: A Path to Conflict Resolution - by Manjit Basi)
(Community Leadership: Leading with Gandhi's Values by Punita Patel)
(The Ripple Effect of Kindness by Melanie Elliott)
(Environmental Sustainability by Prasanna Sivapiragasam)
(The Legacy of Gandhi in the Modern World by Dr. Pradeep Merchant)
(Fearlessness by Lalith Gunaratne)
The event is over. Click here to check the Videos and Photo Gallery.
Date & Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Lalith Ananda Gunaratne, CET, MSc, Principal of Sage Ontario for Mindful Leadership
Topic: 5. Fearlessness: Overcoming Personal and Social Challenges… Courage in Action: Living Without Fear (Abhaya)
About the Topic: This talk will address the transformative power of fearlessness (Abhaya) in overcoming personal and societal challenges. Participants will explore how courage can drive change, from facing individual fears to standing up for justice. Real-life examples and practical exercises will help attendees embrace confidence and resilience in their own lives. [… read more]
(Truth as a Way of Life by Dr. Bhuvanesh Awasthi)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Dr. Bhuvanesh Awasthi, PhD, Cognitive Neuroscience, Senior Behavioural Scientist – Service Insights and Client Experience, Government of Canada).
Topic: 1. Truth as a Way of Life – Living Authentically in a Complex World
About the Topic: This talk will delve into the profound role of truth (Satya) as a cornerstone for authentic living. It will explore how embracing honesty in thought, speech, and action can build trust, foster meaningful relationships, and lead to personal fulfillment. Attendees will learn practical strategies to navigate the complexities of modern life while staying true to their values and principles. [… read more]
(Food and Mindful Living by Dr. Navita Viveky)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Dr. Navita Viveky, Doctorate in Human Nutrition and Dietetics [Nav Nutrition and Dietetics… “Let’s solve the nutrition puzzle together!”]
Topic: 4. Food and Mindful Living – Control of the Palate (Asvada) for Health and Balance
About the Topic: This session will explore the principle of Asvada (control of the palate) as a pathway to physical health and mental clarity. Attendees will learn about the importance of mindful eating, balancing indulgence with nourishment, and the broader implications of food choices. Practical advice for adopting healthier eating habits will be shared, emphasizing self-discipline and intentional living. [… read more]
(Personal Peace & Inner Harmony by Dr. Priya Gaba)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Saturday, May 24, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) (Date Changed) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Dr. Priya Gaba, Physician and Mindfulness Leader, University of Ottawa
Topic: 10. Personal Peace and Inner Harmony – Meditation and Reflection: The Core of Gandhi’s Philosophy
About the Topic: This talk will provide practical techniques for cultivating personal peace through mindfulness and meditation. Participants will explore Gandhi’s practices for achieving inner harmony and resilience in challenging times. The session will include guided reflections to help attendees incorporate these habits into their daily routines. [… read more]
(Non-violence: A Path to Conflict Resolution - by Manjit Basi)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Sunday, June 15, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Manjit Basi, Entrepreneur, Coach, and Consultant
Topic: 2. Non-Violence: A Path to Conflict Resolution – Transforming Aggression into Understanding
About the Topic: Discover the relevance of non-violence (Ahimsa) as a tool for resolving conflicts in personal, professional, and community settings. This session will discuss how empathy, dialogue, and understanding can replace aggression and hostility. Participants will engage with practical methods to de-escalate tensions and foster peaceful relationships in a polarized world. [… read more]
(Community Leadership: Leading with Gandhi's Values by Punita Patel)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) (Date Changed) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Punita Patel, Quality Control and Assurance Manager, Product Safety, Raw Materials and Finished Goods Apparel and Fashion. A leader who thinks outside the box, Punita is a strong team builder, mentor, facilitator and motivator
Topic: 12. Community Leadership – Leading with Gandhi’s Values: Empowering Communities Through Truth, Non-Violence, and Inclusivity
About the Topic: This talk will discuss how Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and inclusivity can guide ethical and transformative leadership. Participants will learn how to inspire and mobilize communities toward collective well-being. Practical strategies for fostering collaboration and addressing societal challenges will be shared. [… read more]
(The Ripple Effect of Kindness by Melanie Elliott)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Sunday, August 17, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Melanie Elliott
Topic: 11. The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Acts of Kindness as Catalysts for Change
About the Topic: This session will highlight how small, intentional acts of kindness can inspire transformative change in individuals and communities. Participants will explore the psychological and social benefits of kindness, supported by real-life stories. The talk will include practical suggestions for cultivating a kindness mindset and creating a positive ripple effect. [… read more]
(Environmental Sustainability by Prasanna Sivapiragasam)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) (Date Changed) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Prasanna Sivapiragasam
Energy Manager, Electrical Engineer (Semiconductor Test), Sustainability Analyst, Entrepreneur. Expert problem solver who wants to preserve the wonderful world we live in now for future generations through partnerships with businesses to improve energy efficiency and decarbonization.
Topic: 8. Environmental Sustainability: Living in Harmony with Nature
About the Topic: Participants will engage with Gandhi’s ecological vision, learning how to live sustainably by conserving resources and reducing waste. The talk will explore the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, emphasizing practical steps for adopting environmentally conscious habits. The session will also highlight inspiring community-led initiatives in environmental stewardship. [… read more]
(The Legacy of Gandhi in the Modern World by Dr. Pradeep Merchant)
Register Here to attend the Session
Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025 (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: Minto Recreation Complex (2nd flr, Cambrian Room), 3500 Cambrian Rd, Barrhaven (Map)
Speaker: Dr. Pradeep Merchant, C.M.
Topic: 13. The Legacy of Gandhi in the Modern World… Gandhi’s Relevance in the 21st Century
About the Topic: This session will explore how Gandhi’s teachings continue to address contemporary challenges, from social justice to environmental sustainability. Participants will examine the global influence of his principles and their application in movements and initiatives today. Inspiring stories of modern changemakers will illustrate the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s legacy. [… read more]
Register Here
Date & Time: To be determined (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: To be determined
Speaker: To be determined.
Topic: 3. Simplicity in a Material World… The Joy of Non-Possession (Aparigraha)
About the Topic: In an age of overconsumption, this talk will highlight the emotional and ecological benefits of living simply. It will explore Gandhi’s principle of non-possession (Aparigraha) and its relevance to reducing stress, finding contentment, and fostering sustainability. Participants will leave with actionable tips to declutter their lives and embrace mindful consumption. [… read more]
Register Here
Date & Time: To be determined (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: To be determined
Speaker: To be determined.
Topic: 6. Unity in Diversity… The Power of Equality of Religions (Sarva-Dharma-Samanatva)
About the Topic: In this session, participants will examine Gandhi’s vision of interfaith harmony and mutual respect. It will highlight how equality of religions (Sarva-Dharma-Samanatva) fosters inclusivity and unity in diverse communities. The talk will include practical strategies for nurturing dialogue and understanding across cultural and religious boundaries. [… read more]
Register Here
Date & Time: To be determined (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: To be determined
Speaker: To be determined.
Topic: 7. Ethical Integrity in Daily Life… The Value of Non-Stealing (Asteya)
About the Topic: This session will explore the principle of non-stealing (Asteya) as a foundation for ethical living. It will address how honesty in all forms—whether regarding possessions, time, or intellectual property—builds trust and fairness in relationships. Practical examples will demonstrate how embracing integrity can transform personal habits and societal dynamics. [… read more]
Register Here
Date & Time: To be determined (3-5:30 PM) [Event Page]
Venue: To be determined
Speaker: To be determined.
Topic: 9. Supporting Local Economies… Swadeshi: The Call for Self-Reliance
About the Topic: This session will focus on the principle of Swadeshi (self-reliance), emphasizing the value of supporting local businesses and resources. Participants will learn how embracing local products fosters economic resilience, cultural pride, and sustainability. Real-world examples of successful local initiatives will inspire attendees to take practical steps toward self-reliance. [… read more]
