The Beginning….
Old Nalandian’s Association of Canada was founded in 1995, September 30th, by a small group of past students living in Toronto area. Living far away from home land , our objective was to form a network of people, who can help each other as well as our alma mater, who had taught and guided us to face the world. Our members come from many different professional backgrounds, both young and old. Some are students, studying in universities, while others have lived in Canada for over 50 years or so. Most of them live in the province of Ontario, where the largest population of Sri Lankan expatriates in Canada, make their home.
As in any success story, we too have had our share of struggles, especially at the beginning, as the Association was created mostly to play Cricket. Only a handful of members who were better settled down in Canada were involved, but they too barely had time to spend on Association’s activities. The Association was officially registered in 1997, with annual events such as Alms Giving, Family Picnics and Members nights were added later on. Today, with the number of new immigrants from Sri Lanka to growing in Canada, we have close to 100 members in the association, helping out each other. We also have a Venerable Udupihille Wimalabudhdhi Thero, a past teacher of Nalanda, residing at the Toronto Maha Vihara, located in the east end of the city. Venerable Thero is the Principle of the Sunday school, teaching our younger generation the way of Lord Buddha. This web site is latest of our achievements in our attempt to bring together all Nalandians around Canada and even else where in the world!
Apadana Sobhinni Panna
“Character beatifies Knowledge” was the motto instilled in every Nalandian growing up. As a leading Buddhist school in Sri Lanka our first order of business every year is to pay homage to Lord Buddha, by organizing an annual Dhana Pinkama at Toronto Maha Vihara. We remember fellow students, and elders who have guided us to where we are today, by organizing an annual alms giving at the beginning of every year. The Dhana pinkama is rotated between the two temples in Toronto, east and west end Vihara.
