To commemorate South Asian Heritage Month, OPSEU SEFPO Coalition of Racialized Workers (Regions 3 and 5) is honoured to present Bollywood Dance Activation and a free screening of Ray of Hope.
Please RSVP and join us at this event.
- Date: Sunday May 25, 2025. Doors open at 11 a.m.
- Venue: OPSEU SEFPO, 155 Lesmill Road, Toronto
- Featured performance: At 1:30 p.m.: Bollywood Dance Activation with Jasmine Jasanie
- Movie screening: Ray of Hope followed by discussion with cast and director
What is Bollywood Dance Activation?
This activation is more than a dance session—it’s an opportunity to honor OPSEU/SEFPO’s commitment to equity, diversity, and community wellness. By inviting Jasmine, OPSEU/SEFPO creates space for members and volunteers to come together, celebrate diversity, and build stronger interpersonal connections through movement. Jasmine Jasanie is an internationally experienced Bollywood choreographer with over 15 years of performance and teaching across Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore. From her early days as a self-taught dancer to her later formal training, Jasmine has built a reputation for delivering authentic, confidence-building experiences for learners of all ages. She is passionate about using dance as a tool to connect, empower, and inspire. Beyond the stage, Jasmine has worked on the frontlines of human rights with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), managing asylum cases from vulnerable populations across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Her work involved navigating sensitive issues of gender-based violence, torture, and persecution, equipping her with a deep understanding of global justice, cultural empathy, and inclusion.
Ray of Hope: Movie Screening
The 26-year-old armed conflict in Sri Lanka compelled numerous Eelam Tamils to seek refuge in foreign nations, notably in Canada. Among them is Rathika Sitsabaiesan, a former Canadian Member of Parliament, who fled the Sri Lankan civil war with her Tamil family during her childhood. The anguish and tales of the conflict drove Rathika’s advocacy. In 2013, her visit to Sri Lanka rekindled her own traumatic memories, as she was surveilled by the very government accountable for widespread suffering. Rathika is now a Professor with The Business School at Centennial College.
Ray of Hope delves into the intricate aftermath of trauma within a community that is now breaking its silence, aiming to attain justice for the multitude who have gone missing or perished. This documentary sheds light on how Rathika’s experience echoes the larger narrative of Eelam Tamils migrants, exploring the intricate interplay between personal and collective healing and the pursuit of accountability.
The production of RAY OF HOPE is more than just a documentary project; it is a journey into the heart of a community that continues to live with the legacy of political intimidation and fear. By bringing these stories to the forefront, the documentary not only honors the resilience of the Tamil community in Canada but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by minorities worldwide. The Canadian Tamil narrative is a crucial piece in understanding the complexities of migration, identity, and the quest for a peaceful existence, free from the shadows of past traumas and fears. Whether through the orphaned children living in Eelam who are being educated and prepared for the challenges ahead; or the youth of the global Tamil diaspora, who continue to break barriers as they excel in all arenas, RAY OF HOPE, gives us a glimpse into some of the shining possibilities for the future.