Large group of people, including adults and children, posing outdoors with trees in the background, as if at a picnic or family gathering.
A group of children and adults dressed in traditional cultural clothing, standing on a stage decorated with red and white streamers. Some children are wearing vibrant sarees and kurta-pajamas, while adults are seated, holding children wearing casual
Large group photo of people in traditional attire, including adults and children, some holding balloons, indoors.
Group of people performing on stage at a Rongali Bihu celebration, featuring musicians with guitars and vocalists in traditional Assamese attire. The banner reads 'Asom Sangha Canada' and 'Rongali Bihu Celebration.'"
Group of women in traditional Indian sarees and floral hair accessories, dancing in a row.
Group of men in traditional attire performing music on stage with guitar and tabla.
A group of people in traditional Indian costumes performing a dance on stage indoors. Some wear red skirts and horned helmets, while another is dressed in yellow with a musical instrument. Seated audience members are watching in the background.

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

  • Man wearing glasses and a light purple shirt with a patterned tie, standing in front of horizontal blinds.

    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.

  • Smiling man in a black suit at an outdoor event with city skyline in the background.

    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.

  • Woman in a white blouse and checkered jacket smiling against a gray background.

    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

  • Person wearing traditional attire speaking at a podium with a microphone.

    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.

  • A man in a gray suit speaks at a podium with a microphone. The podium is draped with a red banner featuring a logo with a maple leaf and torch. A woman stands beside him, wearing a patterned shawl. The background includes decorative hanging ornaments and a partially visible sign with text.

    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.

  • Woman in traditional attire smiling by a window, wearing a red blouse, white saree with blue and gold trim, and a decorative choker necklace.

    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.