Canadian Hindu Priest Sworn In As First-Ever Hindu Chaplain For Police Services Board

April 3, 2007

Author: The Caribbean Xpress

Source: Devi Mandir

http://www.devimandir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=169&Itemid=104

History was made by Pandit Damodar Sharma, the spiritual leader of the Devi Mandir when he was sworn in last Sunday as the first ever Hindu Honorary Chaplain for the Durham Regional Police.

In attendance were the Mayor of Pickering Dave Ryan, the Deputy Chief of Police in the Durham Region Chuck Mercier, Inspector Jim Douglas, Judge David Stone, widely known Toronto lawyer Dhaman Kissoon, and off course a full congregation of all the supporters and members of the Devi Mandir. Pandit Sharma who lives in Pickering, immigrated from India 15 years. He is married and has three children. "Today is a very special day not only for the Devi Mandir but the entire Hindu community in Canada", stated Vishnu Sookar, Chairman of the Devi Mandir.

Kissoon, noted that "our community is growing and going forward in strength, at one time when you see a police officer at a temple, they came for some other purpose but that time is long gone. They are our friends and we have to work together to make this country and city a better place."