CIF Newsletter May 2021
Chair’s Message
Show Your Support for India
Hello Friends. At CIF, we are extremely concerned about the evolving Covid-19 scenario in India as most of you are. The situation is indeed dire, with India’s health infrastructure struggling on all fronts, beset by shortages of drugs, PPE, ventilators, hospital beds, etc. We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel because the cases are coming down and it is our hope that this trend will continue.
The barrage of some extremely motivated reportage in the media has only helped exasperate people’s sense of desperation. Yes, first let us admit that India is in the grip of a second wave that is taking lives and livelihoods once again. This is a time to show our solidarity with India and work collectively to help India fight the COVID pandemic.
India will eventually slay this monster of a virus. Increased vaccine availability and more effective public health control measures are expected to bring the situation under control soon. We hope these projections come true both for the sake of our brothers and sisters in India and their loved ones here in Canada. (Read more)
Canada India Health Summit 2021
Canada despatches emergency medical supplies to India
Responding to the dire healthcare crisis in India, Canada sent the first batch of medical supplies to India, that included ventilators and anti-viral drug Remdesivir. Ottawa also pledged $10 million to Indian Red Cross. (Read more.)
Meetings
CIF Met MP Michael Chong
April 22, 2021: CIF team met Member of Parliament Hon. Michael Chong, virtually and discussed the present cooperation between Canada India Relations. He was first elected to Parliament in 2004 and represents the riding of Wellington-Halton Hills. He currently serves as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Official Opposition.
CIF met MP Bob Saroya
April 28, 2021: CIF team met Member of Parliament Mr. Bob Saroya virtually and discussed the present second wave of Covid 19 and its impact on India. Mr. Saroya showed his solidarity with India at this challenging time and assured CIF to help India in its fight against COVID-19.
Ayurveda Speaker Series Session — 17
Management of Cancer in Ayurveda
CIF Ayurveda Speaker Series 17 was held on April 25, with the expert speaker, Prof. Omprakash Dave, whose presentation touched upon how Ayurveda views cancer and the ways of treating and managing cancer using Ayurvedic methods. Prof. Dave teaches and practices at Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, and has done seminal work on Ayurveda and how it treats Arbuda (cancer). Introducing Prof. Dave, CIF Chair, Satish Thakkar, said, “The objective of today’s webinar is to find out how this 6000-year-old medical system known as Ayurveda can effectively provide solutions to prevent or to cure cancer.” (Read more)
To see the video click here.
A Cutting-edge New Technology from India for Virus-free Indoor Environment
An exciting new technological invention out of India was the topic at a CIF Speaker series held on April 20, 2021, featuring a renowned biotech researcher and entrepreneur, Prof. Meena Augustus, based in Maryland, USA. The High Commission of India in Ottawa is among the early adopters of this new technology that holds great promise for normal life to return to the most indoor environments once it is fully approved. (Read more)
To see the recorded program click here.
Ontario to donate 3000 ventilators to Indian Red Cross
Reacting to the Covid-19 crisis in India, Ontario Premier, Doug Ford, said that his government “stand ready to assist further with India’s urgent needs, for as long as we are able to”. (Read more.)
Big belly spells trouble for Post-Covid-19 patients
According to the Indian doctors treating patients who have recovered from Covid-19, obesity, especially people with large bellies, is reported at greater risk. (Read more.)
India grateful for prompt Russian aid
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Russian President Vladimir Putin to express his gratitude for emergency medical supplies including vaccines to help India struggling through a deadly second wave of Covid-19. (Read more.)
Prince Charles appeals for aid to India
India has helped others, now we must help India, said Prince Charles, while launching a fundraising campaign in aid of India currently in the grip of the second wave of Covid-19. Many members of the diaspora, and others including businesses, trusts, and foundations, have already pledged support. (Read more.)
India’s first 3D Printed House
India’s first 3D printed house is currently on display on the campus of IIT Madras. 3D concrete printing if adopted widely will help reduce construct cost making homes more affordable. (Read more.)
Canada mandates Covid-19 negative status for all arrivals
