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."

"The Pickering Devi Mandir is doing a wonderful job, and the accomplishments of Pandit Damodar deserves a standing ovation" said Kissoon. Inspector Jim Douglas told the packed congregation that "we have developed a great relationship with the Devi Mandir and they have played a very important role in the community, it's a great day." Deputy Police Chief Chuck Mercier thank the Mandir for their support in making the work of the police much easier.

Mercier praise the Hindu community in the region and said "with the leadership of Cecil Ramnauth and ongoing discussions for some time now, the time has come for the Devi Mandir and the Durham Police to work together on a higher level."

In his address Mayor Ryan spoke about the civic award recieved by the Pickering Devi Mandir last year and noted that the mandir can look forward to another award this year.
Pandit Damodar took the oath of office from Judge David Stone.

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A Proud Indian Canadian