The settlement of the Panchal community in Ontario and in Canada dates back to the 1960’s when a few families immigrated to Canada predominantly from the United Kingdom, India and Africa to grasp opportunities in the business and professional fields and to better the life for their children. The majority of the people settled in Ontario with a few families settling in British Columbia and Alberta.

With the large influx of Asians from African countries in the 1970’s many Panchal families immigrated to Canada. Young Panchal families from India and the United Kingdom managed to come down here to avail themselves of the opportunities in business, professional and other fields.

The trend continued and in the 1980’s many Panchal families sponsored their relatives to settle here. By the middle of 1980’s the number of Panchal families in Ontario grew to about 45 families with a population of about 150 persons. At their social and family gatherings these families talked about forming a community group.

Approximately 12 Panchal family heads got together on October 21, 1986 and unanimously agreed to form a Panchal community group. They drafted out provisional constitutional outlines. These were presented at a general meeting of the Panchal Community on November 22, 1986. The members present whole-heartedly welcomed the proposal and approved the interim constitution of the group named as THE PANCHAL SAMAJ OF ONTARIO. A management committee for the year 1986-87 was elected. This was the official beginning of THE PANCHAL SAMAJ OF ONTARIO.

At the Annual General Meeting held on February 28, 1988, the Constitution of the Samaj was approved unanimously. This was reviewed at the Annual General Meeting held on February 3, 1991 and a revised constitution was adopted. A Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees were elected. Every year new Board of Directors and every 2 years Board of Trustees are elected democratically with ballots and at these Annual Meetings, Statements of Income and Expenditure and Reports of activities for that year are presented.

During Diwali Celebrations our members, both young and old, perform Cultural Events like Dancing, Garbas, Music, Dramas etc. We also had short Gujarati comedies and religious plays presented. Picnics are the most enjoyable event. We now have barbeques at our picnics. In 1992 and 1993 we were joint organizers of the Navratri Garba Festival with other associations such as Brahmin Society of Toronto, Cultural Society of East African Asians, The Lohana Cultural Association. These events were organized on a very large scale and were very successful. Now we have Navratri successfully celebrated with Gandhi Samaj and Mochi Gnati Mandal.

In 1993 the Samaj introduced Annual Education Awards to outstanding students from Grade 8 and onwards. This was to encourage children of the members to excel in their academic achievements and this purpose has indeed been achieved so far. During 1993 the Samaj Logo was also designed and approved. Thanks to the artists who participated in the design.

The number of Panchal families at present are about 130 with about 40 senior members and about 13 overseas family members. The Samaj is progressing rapidly. The objectives and aims of the Samaj are being achieved, however we can still do much more with increased co-operation and participation by all members.

Every year the Samaj organizes religious and social functions such as Vishwakarma Jayanti, Holi, Picnics, Navratri, Diwali and Christmas; where community members and their children participate. During such gatherings members are made aware of the happenings within the community such as: Births, Engagements, Marriages, Deaths, Visitors from abroad.

Over the years, the Samaj has grown to encompass the whole of the Ontario region, other parts of Canada, the United States of America and continues its base to other parts of the world. The Samaj has a professional corporate structure in place with a Board of Trustees together with a Board of Directors duly elected through a general election process by the Panchal members.

Panchal Samaj of Ontario is always looking for volunteers. We are encouraging members to come forward and give back to their community by volunteering and serving on the Board of Directors. We are actively looking for new thoughts, ideas and directions and we encourage all members, young and old, to participate in serving the Samaj. Your contribution will be well respected and welcomed.