In a multi-culture and plural society the understanding and respect for each other's cultural and religious values are most important. To achieve harmony in this field the endeavour of the Ahmadiya Muslim Jama'at are appreciable. This year, as well, with the cooperation and patronisation of Ontario Khalsa Darbar (Dixie Road Sikh Temple), Peel Multicultural Council and Coalition for International Year of the Family, the Jama'at ventured to bring together different faiths on one platform. In the light of the declaration of the year 1994 as the International Year of Family by the U.N., the subject selected for the symposium, "Family Values--For Better For Worse" was the most appropriate.

After the welcome address by Mr. Naseem Mahdi, the Chairman, the Symposium was initiated with the Recitation and Purport of a few verses from the Holy Quran, and the Canadian National Anthem captivatingly sung by the Ahmadiya children. The Readers of the Papers took the stage after the introduction of dignitaries. Her Worship Hazel Macallion, the Mississauga Mayor attended in spite of her pressing engagements in the Mayoral Election the next day. Many times she had taken steps to implement by-laws to maintain the Family Values but, she lamented, unfortunately she had to abandon the plans in the face of severe opposition. Mr. Ben Harrison of the "Canada Community on Family Values" defined the basic unit in the functioning of a family, and stressed that its development was essential for the healthy upbringing of children. Since Canada was founded on the principles of freedom and respect for all the religions, it was the best country in the world. Provincial M.P., John Solas 's remarks were quite appreciative.

In the First Panel, Rabbi Joseph Kelman representing Jewish Community specified how the Old Testament gave birth to and established the essentiality of the Family Values. Although his Nation had suffered in the hands of the other nations, it had learnt to survive and transmit good values. Contrary to the general misconception his religion has never been a male dominated society. For them `home' was more important even than the synagogue. One Chapter in Tohra specifically deals with the family values.

Zoroastrian Mr. Kobadi Zarolia narrated a brief history of the origin of his religion in Persia. His religion believes that it is the Family Values that identify on the long run. He vehemently denounced the same sex families. He stressed that the western soap-operas were the biggest factor of the ruining of the family values.

The speakers from the Native Indian side, Pauline Shirt delved on the principle that the Universe itself was a family, mother as earth, sun as father and stars their offspring. Mother earth was the finest teacher with trees, lakes and rivers representing its life blood. She also threw considerable light on the life circle prevalent among the natives and finished her exposition with an Indian Song of Creation. Her voice was very melodious and with the beat of a hand-held drum she prevailed cataleptic effect.

After most appetizing refreshment break, Mr. Harbhajan Singh Pandori, President Ontario Khalsa Darbar, Dixie Road Sikh Temple initiated the second panel. He elucidated that the Sikhism was the religion of living life. It embraced the prominence of the family life. All the relations have been described and accepted in Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scriptures. Quoting from the Holy Book he stressed, `...in the midst of sons and wife man obtains emancipation...', `... if thou embracesth a domestic life, then, practise thou righteousness' and `...there is one Father and we are all His children...."

Mr. B.R. Maharaj was scheduled to represent the Hindu opinion but unfortunately he could not come to participate.

Father Michael Luchka from the Ukrainian Church presented the Christian views. He himself was a family man, and always gave prominence to the Family Values. He detailed the different types of family. He expressed his apprehension the way the present youth was effected by the media; T.V., Movies etc. He narrated 21 ways to increase and manifest the family value. He ended with the note to `save each others', `don't hurt others', `love God' and `love your neighbour'.

Last but most eloquent was Mr. Ata-ul-Wahid, who, as Vern Lahaye, was born as a Christian and converted to Islam. He depicted the Islamic prospective. In Canada family definition was going through a process. Sex, alcohol, aids and other abuses were effecting our family lives. Islam favours traditional family life, he emphasised. The Holy Quran explicitly specifies various aspects and duties of family members. Western society was getting too much sex oriented, and this was leading to the vices. He enunciated that most crimes came from fatherless society and stressed that the Islam prohibited adultery.

More than 500 men, women and children graced the occasion. The Ahmadiya ladies preferred to sit in the adjoining Hall but they were adequately acquainted with the proceedings through the audio system. This year's physical arrangements were most efficiently handled by the Mississauga Chapter of the Jama'at. Their President, Mr. Nasir Chatha, thanked the Dignitaries, Speakers and the Audience at the end, and hoped for the continuation of this magnanimous venture towards the mutual understanding and respect.

Pritpal Singh Bindra

Mississauga, Ontario