Canada-India Foundation brings out E-Newsletter Vol 33 Issue 20 Oct 2021
CIF E-Newsletter
Volume 33 Issue #20 October 2021
Chair’s Message
Hello friends. As you know, this is one of the most beautiful seasons in Canada, the country we love to call our home. The brilliant colors that envelope the landscape at this time of the year are a cause of happiness and wonder for most people. This Fall is also the second season under the shadow of Covid-19 that we are living through. And we can say confidently that we have not fallen behind in our great fight against this virus.
Canada today is among a handful of countries that can boast of a majority of its citizens vaccinated fully and, yes, we are also sensitive to the need to continue observing all the protocols so that a fourth wave whenever and if it comes, does not pull us back to the dark days. Let us complement the various levels of our political leaders and the health experts for guiding us through this challenging time.
In this message to you, I would like to lay special emphasis on a recent development between Canada and India that fills all of us with optimism. I am referring to the media reports that quoted key leaders from both countries on the possible revival of talks regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India. (Read more)
Ayurveda Speaker Series Session — 24
Marma Therapy and its Role in Musculoskeletal Pain Management
The 24th session in the CIF Ayurveda Speaker Series was held on October 10, 2021, featuring Dr. Navin Chandra Joshi as the expert speaker. Dr. Joshi MD (Ayur) is a Master Trainer and Associate Professor at Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Dehradun. The topic was Marma Therapy and its Role in Musculoskeletal Pain Management.
Joining the session as a special guest was Ms. Anna Roberts, MP from King-Vaughan. She was introduced by Ritesh Malik, National Convener, CIF as a great volunteer, totally committed to the welfare of the community she serves. Roberts said, “I want to tell you that we are all in this journey together, whatever race, creed, or color. Our country has gone through such a huge pandemic that I believe in my heart, and we need to do more to help individuals to learn how to cope with pain and mental illness.” She congratulated CIF for holding these sessions to bring holistic health to Canada. (Read more)
Click here to watch the session
CIF-UHN-AIIA-Ministry of Ayush Meeting
Canada India Foundation along with University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, the All-India Institute of Ayurveda, and the Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi recently held a joint meeting to discuss the future steps needed to be taken to advance integrated medicine research. CIF Chair Mr. Thakkar suggested drawing up a roadmap with inputs from all stakeholders, to set priorities and timelines for the project. All members enthusiastically supported holding a joint webinar to mark the World Ayurveda Day with a theme of Integrated Approach in Management of Metabolic Syndrome.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Satish Thakkar, Chair CIF, Mr. Ritesh Malik, National Convener CIF, Consul General Smt. Apoorva Srivastava, Dr. Paul Oh, from University Health Network (UHN), Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of AYUSH, Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dr. Harish Verma, President Canadian Ayurveda Practitioners Association (CAPA), Dr. Rahul Jain, Ministry of Ayush.
CIF Annual General Meeting 2021
Canada India Foundation (CIF) held its 14th Annual General Meeting on October 2, 2021, in the presence of the Executive Team and members. CIF Chair Mr. Satish Thakkar briefed the members on the activities that the Foundation engaged in during the past year under the current executive board. He shared with the members' details of the major initiatives that were launched during the year. Among the highlights listed were the following:
- Canada India Health Summit (CIHS 2021) — the third such major cooperative event held under the CIF aegis saw broad participation from experts and industry leaders of Canada and India.
- Canada India Healthcare Innovation Awards — In a first of its kind, the Health Summit introduced awards to recognize and encourage young entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas in healthcare.
- CIF Charity Golf Tournament — the event raised a record-breaking amount for charities supported by CIF. For the first time, CIF, emboldened by the level of support it received, is creating a dedicated fund to help the children of fallen soldiers to pursue higher studies in Canada.
- $1 Million Integrated Medicine Research Fund — CIF in conjunction with University Health Network announced the formation of a fund to support advanced research into the integrated medicine practices that combine modern medicine and ancient medical systems like Ayurveda toward finding optimal options to treat chronic diseases.
- Endowments in perpetuity have been created at the University of Toronto and Waterloo University for Scholarships.
- Ayurveda Speaker Series — The ongoing series held 24 biweekly sessions on virtual platforms, which has been appreciated by many experts as well as community leaders for introducing this ancient system to a wider audience in Canada.
- The current Executive board held various roundtable events with various policymakers throughout the year to promote better Canada India ties 360 degrees.
- CIF’s Free Thank You Meals Program — During the height of the pandemic, CIF delivered over 25,000 meals to front-line workers in hospitals, emergency services like police and firefighters, and long-care facilities in a gesture of support to the most vulnerable.
- CIF also carried various other Philanthropic programs and activities throughout the year.
The CIF Executive board committed further to continue building on the momentum in years to come to focus on the core areas by launching a few new initiatives.
CIF Congratulates Mayoral Elects, Gondek & Sohi
All of us at Canada India Foundation are thrilled to hear of the election victories of Ms. Jyoti Gondek and Mr. Amarjeet Sohi who will now guide the fortunes of two of Canada’s important cities as Mayors. Ms. Gondek will lead the City of Calgary, while Mr. Sohi has been given charge of the City of Edmonton. Both leaders face great challenges in their paths including the dangers of Covid-19. Given their commitment and talent, we are confident that they would work toward solutions that their respective cities need at a very difficult time. We at CIF extend our heartfelt congratulations and support in all their efforts in the future. (Read more)
India On Target to Register 9.5% Growth this Year
According to a forecast by IMF, India’s recovery from Covid-19 related slowdown will be quick and impressive due to the high level of vaccination administered in the country. (Read more.)
India Resumes Covid-19 Vaccine Export
After a six months break, India is set to resume the export of the Covid-19 vaccine, prioritizing the supply to neighboring countries and the WHO-managed Covax program for the poorer nations. (Read more.)
Indian Space Set for Increased Private Participation
By launching the Indian Space Association, India has made a clear commitment to increased private sector participation in its strategic space sector. (Read more.)
Merck’s Covid-19 Drug Has an Indian Angle
An Indian pharmaceutical company is providing a key ingredient that goes into Merck’s latest drug, developed to treat Covid-19. (Read more.)
Diabetes Drugs May Help with Covid-19 Treatment
A study published by an Indian scientist holds out the promise of double benefits from drugs used to treat diabetes and aging as well as polyphenols derived from plants. (Read more.)
Canada’s Start-up Program Attractive to Overseas Entrepreneurs
Canada’s unique and bold program to bring in investment, as well as business skills to the country, does mandate minimum education or net worth. (Read more.)
Tata Group Has Great Plans to Revive Air India
In its first major divestment, the government of India successfully parted company with the long-languishing Air India. The airline is back in the hands of its original founders. (Read more.)