Upcoming events
Itihasa in Action
Free in-person workshop, Mississauga City Hall
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2 pm to 4 pm EST
Itihasa in Action is an in-person educational workshop designed to help youth engage with moral and ethical questions using case studies drawn from the Hindu epics: the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The program presents these narratives as analytical case studies, encouraging participants to reflect on real-world situations by analyzing the choices, motivations, and consequences experienced by key figures in these texts, to identify meaningful moral lessons.
Audience: Youth ages 14–25 (Parental consent forms will be provided for participants under 18)
Workshop Preview: Case Study Overview
Participants will explore compelling moments from the epics, including:
Case Study #1: Rama’s Alliance with Sugriva
From the Ramayana
Thematic Exploration:
How to Be an Underdog
Case Study #2: How Yudhishthira bested Drona
From the Mahabharata
Thematic Exploration: Leveraging Your Creativity
Case Study #3: Lessons from Shri Krishna to Arjuna
From the Mahabharata
Thematic Exploration:
Discipline, Foresight, and Being Present
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Itihasa in Action?
Itihasa in Action is an in-person educational workshop designed to help youth engage with moral and ethical questions using case studies drawn from the Hindu epics: the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The program presents these narratives as analytical case studies, encouraging participants to reflect on real-world situations by analyzing the choices, motivations, and consequences experienced by key figures in these texts, with the aim of identifying meaningful moral lessons.
2. Who is this program for?
The program is designed for youth ages 14–25. It is open to young people interested in leadership development, cultural literacy, ethical dialogue, and personal growth.
3. Is this a religious program?
The program is cultural and educational in nature, open to youth from all backgrounds and identities of life. While it draws on Hindu epics as historical and literary texts, the focus is on discussion, critical thinking, and applying timeless themes to contemporary life. It is not a devotional or worship-based program.
4. What will participants actually do?
Youth will:
➢ Review selected case studies from the epics
➢ Discuss real-life scenarios connected to those themes
➢ Engage in small-group dialogue
➢ Reflect on values such as dharma (responsibility), courage, compassion, and justice
➢ Develop action-oriented ideas for leadership in their own communities
5. What skills will participants gain?
Participants may develop:
➢ Public speaking and communication skills
➢ Critical thinking and ethical reasoning
➢ Conflict navigation skills
➢ Leadership confidence
6. Is there a cost to participate?
This is a free program that aims to remain accessible to youth across the community.
7. Is parental consent required?
For participants under 18 years of age, parental/guardian consent is required at registration.
8. Who facilitates the program?
Sessions are led by the organizing team of Itihasa in Action which consists of leaders across diverse walks of life.
9. How is youth safety ensured?
The program follows:
➢ A clear code of conduct
➢ Adult supervision standards
➢ Small-group facilitation guidelines
➢ Respectful dialogue expectations
➢ Safety and inclusion are a priority.
10. Do participants need prior knowledge of Hindu epics?
No prior knowledge is required. All content is presented in a youth-friendly and accessible format.
11. How can I volunteer?
➢ Volunteers are welcome in the following roles:
➢ Youth Mentor Leads
➢ Event Support
➢ Social Media
➢ Content Creation
If interested, please email mississaugadharmicevents@gmail.com
12. Why is the City Councillor, Dipika Damerla, supporting this initiative?
The program supports youth leadership, cultural literacy, civic engagement, and intergenerational dialogue within the community. It reflects the City’s commitment to inclusive programming that empowers young residents to think critically, lead responsibly, and contribute positively to society.
13. Why Attend Itihasa in Action?
Hindu epics, like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, are rich repositories of ethical inquiry. By approaching them as living case studies rather than distant mythology, Itihasa in Action empowers youth to:
➢ Think critically about right and wrong
➢ Develop principled leadership skills
➢ Strengthen cultural awareness
➢ Engage meaningfully with heritage traditions
➢ Apply proven ethical frameworks to contemporary challenges
Opening of new Batting Cricket Cages
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Taste of Cooksville
For more details please visit Cooksville BIA - Cooksville BIA
If you would like to Volunteer please sign up at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PBB2Z5F
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If you would like to volunteer for Councillor Damerla at this event please complete the form
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I Scream you Scream we all Scream for Ice Cream!
Join Councillor Damerla for her 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social on July 29th at Munden Park. Please sign up if you wish to Volunteer and help out that day! Sign Up Form
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Movie Nights
Movie nights are back! Join your friends and neighbours at the City’s biggest outdoor theatre. Movie nights are free and accessbile.
Every Thursday’s starting May 25 - August 31 at 8 pm
Pre-Submission Community Meeting for 3115 Hurontario Street
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Join us to see details of the three new parks coming to Ward 7 and give your feedback.
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Virtual Town Hall: Huron Park Leash Free Dog Park
Join us to see details of the proposed leash free dog park at Huron Park and give your feedback.
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Councillor Damerla's Kickoff to Summer Ice Cream Social
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I would like to invite you to my Kickoff to Summer Ice Cream Social. It will be a great opportunity to celebrate the beginning of summer and enjoy getting together as a community. We have updated the iconic Cooksville sign with our new summer graphics so you can be one of the first to get a picture with it! There will be live music and the first 75 ice creams are free! Then be sure to stick around and enjoy some more art and great conversation with one of our great local organizations, Heart Comonos.
Pre-Submission Virtual Community Meeting re: 65-79 Agnes St Development Application
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New Cooksville Sign Unveiling!
This family day, come out to be one of the first to see the iconic, brand new Cooksville sign! At over 20 feet this sign is going to add some zip to Cooksville! On Monday, February 21st from 1:00PM to 3:00PM there will be a ribbon cutting and ceremonial lighting up of the sign. There will be live music, free refreshments and even space heaters to make it a perfect way to enjoy family day! Be among the first to get your photo taken with this iconic sign.
The sign will have four themes that will be displayed throughout the year. The one you see in the photo is the holiday theme. The other themes are summer, fall and historic Cooksville.
A small back story. In 2019, when I was promoting the Taste of Cooksville Festival, I recall being at the corner of Hurontario and Dundas giving out flyers to people walking in the area. I was surprised when more than a few people said to me, "This is great but where is Cooksville?". I had to tell them, you are in Cooksville!!
We're putting Cooksville on the map and I want you to be a part of it. This beautiful sign is another step in remaking Cooksville. It is about building public spaces with a little zip and fun. Look forward to seeing you there!
Pre-Submission Community Meeting re: 900 and 904 Mississauga Heights Drive
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Protecting Tenants Virtual Information Session
This is a virtual information session regarding the City of Mississauga’s Apartment Building Standards and Maintenance Program.
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