About Ankur

Ankur Multicultural Association for Performing Arts
"ANKUR" is a non-profit registered association that support and promotes multicultural activities in Canada. This organization was founded in 2005 to sustain a supportive and proactive environment in which people from diverse backgrounds can come together for social interaction and cultural enrichment.
Its objective is to celebrate cultural and ethnic activities that enrich the Canadian society in resonance with the philosophy that multiculturalism promotes equality for all regardless of color, culture, ethnicity, race, language, beliefs with a view to bringing social harmony in Canada. Thus it will serve as a common vehicle for the following missions.

Brief History
In September 2005, nine open-minded individuals gathered in the basement of Dr. Manas B. Das, a retired engineer with the idea of creating an organization called "Ankur". The main objective of the organization was to establish a vehicle for supporting as well as promoting multiculturalism through performing arts. However, the original concept - both the name and its function - was the brainchild of Dr. Samarendra N. Maiti, the founding President of the organization. The word "Ankur" means "sprouting seed" that comes from "Sanskrit" a leading ancient language of the world. The original nine members contributed significantly both in cash and kind as well as through their brain and muscle powers in establishing "Ankur". However a substantial amount of financial contribution from Samar and Purnima Maitra, the "Grand Bon-Coeur", was a great inspiring boost for the cause. The founding members of "Ankur" may be listed as: Dr. Manas B. Das, Dr. Samarendra N. Maiti, Mr. Samar Maitra, Dr. Debangshu Bhaumick, Mr. Ananda Saha, Mr. Malay Samanta, Mr. Dipan Das, Mrs. Mousumi Bhaumick, and Mrs. Srabani Maiti. With the inauguration of the opening ceremony of "Ankur" by Mr. Stephen Mandel, the Mayor of the City of Edmonton on April 15, 2006, the organization was formally established. Soon thereafter many Edmontonians with diverse ethnic background were inspired to become members of "Ankur". Thus, within a short span of time "Ankur" assumed the status of a very dynamic and vibrant multicultural organization.