About us
Asom Sangha Canada Community Association (ASCCA) is a non-profit, non-political, socio-cultural organization, open for all individuals who have their roots and interest in Assam and its culture.
Our mission, vision & values
Our primary objective is to provide a platform to the Canadian Assamese community for their continued success & development.
→ To promote & maintain the culture & heritage of Assam & India in North America.
→ To develop closer links among the members of the Assamese community with like-minded organizations in North America.
→ To foster socio-economic development of Assam & Canada.
→ To work as a platform to inspire the children of the Assamese community to pursue socio-cultural, intellectual and innovation activities.
To achieve its mission, ASCCA has undertaken several initiatives in its lifetime. These include fundraising around Covid, Flood Relief, Porhaxali (an Assamese school), Toronto Mousaak (a virtual informative session for the community children) to name a few.
History
Asom Sangha now known as Asom Sangha Canada Community Association, was first established in Ottawa, Ontario with the initiative of a few Assamese families. Late Dr. Kumud Bora, Late Mrs. Lalita Bora, Dr. Nirud Das, along with two other students started the organization. Other pioneers were Late Mr. Prodyut and Mrs. Lakhimi Agarwala also from Ottawa; Late Dr. Nayanananda Borthakur, Mrs. Dolly Borthakur and Dr. Hirok Potongia from Montreal; Late Dr. Iswar Chakravarty and Mrs. Archana Chakravarty from Peterborough. The Assamese community started to grow slowly in the 1990s; however, a major influx was few years after the start of the millennium.
For about a decade the celebration of Rongali Bihu, it’s signature event was confined to Ottawa and Montreal only. From 1980 it started taking place in Peterborough and Toronto, then occasionally again in Ottawa and Montreal. Dr. Iswar Chakravarty who originally drafted the first version, took the initiative to update the constitution which was completed and approved at the general body meeting on April 19, 2003 at the Rongali Bihu celebration. Although the Sangha was registered only in 2013, it always had regular office bearers as per the constitution, with a one year term. Since 2000, the office bearers were appointed for two year terms. Asom Sangha Canada, has a Board of Directors (BoDs) in addition to an Executive Committee, per the requirement for a registered Non-Profit Organization. Over the past few years, ASCCA has revised and updated its constitution, built sustainable digital presence and introduced a membership structure for the Sangha’s growth and endurance. Today, ASCCA is a growing and vibrant organization with Rongali Bihu consistently attracting over 250 community members.
Board of directors
-
Parvez Rahman
PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Parvez, a Public Health Specialist with the City of Hamilton, resides in Oakville with his wife and two sons. Originally from Shillong, he has a background in Agricultural Sciences and Management. He enjoys camping and the outdoors, embracing nature whenever possible.
-
Bhagat Arora
IT PROFESSIONAL
Bhagat is an IT professional with 12+ years of experience in enterprise infrastructure and service delivery across various sectors. At Peel Regional Police, he drives IT solutions for organizational growth. A passionate advocate for diversity, he is active in ASIAN-ISN and enjoys traveling, kayaking, and outdoor activities.
-
Vase Sarmah
B.TECH (IT), EXECUTIVE MBA
Vase is a technology leader specializing in Service Delivery and Global Operations. She drives operational strategy at Lifion and has worked with Fortune 500 companies to leverage technology for business growth. An advocate for women in leadership, she serves on multiple boards and promotes Canada-India technology ties.
-
Manas Sharma
MD
Manas is a neuroradiologist at London Health Sciences Centre and an Associate Professor at Western University. A dedicated community leader, he has fostered strong partnerships and supported Assamese cultural initiatives in Canada. He serves as Secretary for AANA’s East Canada chapter and has a passion for music and family.
Executive body members
-
Jibeswar (Jib) Talukdar
PRESIDENT
Jib Da leads Assam Sangha Toronto with dedication, fostering community engagement and cultural preservation. Passionate about uniting the Assamese diaspora, he promotes inclusivity, heritage, and support initiatives. Under his leadership, the organization continues to strengthen connections, celebrate traditions, and support the community’s growth in Toronto.
-
Kuntal Kashyap Borthakur
GENERAL SECRETARY & TREASURER
Kuntal Kashyap Borthakur plays a vital role in coordinating Assam Sangha Toronto’s initiatives, ensuring smooth communication and efficient operations. He manages the financial stewardship with transparency and responsibility. Overseeing budgets, fundraising, and financial planning, he ensure the organization’s sustainability, enabling continued cultural programs and community support initiatives.
-
Priyanka Talukdar
CULTURAL SECRETARY
Priyanka leads Assam Sangha Toronto’s cultural initiatives, preserving and promoting Assamese heritage through vibrant events and programs. Passionate about fostering community spirit, she curate festivals, performances, and activities that celebrate traditions while engaging the next generation in cultural appreciation.
Tea garden to Toronto
A prime goal is to bring to light the community members’ individual journeys across countries, celebrating successes together and navigating challenges of raising the next generation in today’s dynamic age.