Consulate General of India, Vancouver www.cgivancouver.gov.in
Vol. 03, Issue No. 39 October 04, 2019.
India Perspectives India Perspectives is the flagship publication of the Ministry of External Affairs. Richly illustrated, this magazine provides our readers with an insight into India’s culture and tradition along with elements of contemporary India. Click here to read more‌. Ministry of External Affairs, India
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Vol. 03, Issue 39, October 04, 2019.
Consulate News The Opening Reception of Mahatma Gandhi Photo Exhibition (October 03, 2019) CGI Vancouver was honoured to present a photo exhibition on the life of Mahatma Gandhi at the SFU Harbour Centre in partnership with the University which is also celebrating 30 years of its Downtown Campus. President Andrew Petter gave the welcome remarks at the official inauguration of the exhibition which was attended by a large number of Indian diaspora and Canadian friends of India. Consul General Mrs. Joshi addressed the gathering speaking on the immortal legacy of the Mahatma and his influence in guiding India’s path of inclusive and equitable development. The inaugural was followed by the Gandhi Memorial Lecture organized by Thakore Foundation with this year’s awardee Raffi Couvikian, a renowned child rights humanist. The photo exhibition is open for viewing until 7th Oct 2019.
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150th Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations (October 02, 2019) The 150th Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm with a Garlanding Ceremony at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi organized by The Thakore Charitable Foundation, Institute for the Humanities, J.S. Woodsworth Chair in the Humanities at Simon Fraser University and SFU W.A.C. Bennett Library at SFU Burnaby Campus on October 02, 2019. Consul General Mrs. Abhilasha Joshi, along with officers from the Consulate, paid homage and garlanded the Mahatma Gandhi statue. A large number of prominent members of the Indian community and leaders from various Indian Cultural Associations were present at the garlanding ceremony and paid floral tributes to the Mahatma. This was followed by a colorful and thought-provoking program at the Golden Diamond Family Auditorium involving participation by school children to spread Gandhiji’s teachings - a skit on Gandhiji’s life titled ‘Gandhiji’s Glasses’ - organized by the Thakore Foundation group. Ms. Vasundhara Rogan performed two bhajans – Vaishnav jan to... and Raghupati Raghav during this program. Dr. Andrew Petter, President & Vice-Chancellor of SFU gave the opening remarks while Dr. Joanne Curry, Vice President SFU, Councilor Sav Dhaliwal and many distinguished guests were present on this occasion. This year’s Thakore Visiting Scholar Award recipient is Rafi Cavoukian for his lifelong focus on honouring children, education, and the promotion of an overall culture of peace.
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Vol. 03, Issue 39, October 04, 2019.
Consul General’s visit to Victoria (September 28 - 30, 2019)
At B.C. Legislature
At Royal BC Museum, Victoria
At Viking Air Limited
Electors Verification Programme (EVP) Election Commission of India has unveiled Electors Verification Programme (EVP) for verification and authentication of personal details by voters & their family members, and any revisions. EVP can be done through both online and offline modes. Under the online mode, verification process could be done either though registration on www.nvsp.in or voter helpline app. Online mode is user friendly and obviates several procedural formalities. Voter helpline No.1950 offers solutions of technical issues arising under EVP. 2|P a g e
Vol. 03, Issue 39, October 04, 2019.
The India Tourism Pavilion (September 29, 2019) The Consulate supported India Tourism New York Office in their participation today at the International Travel Expo 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Center. The India Tourism pavilion proved a great source of information for expo visitors eager to travel to India.
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Hindi Lok Mahotsav (September 29, 2019) The Consulate General of India partnered with Hindi Literary Society of Canada, BC to organize the Hindi Lok Mahotsav (Hindi Folk Festival) on Sunday, 29th September, 2019 at Surrey to commemorate Hindi Divas which is celebrated every year on 14th September to highlight the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India. Hindi Lok Mahotsav was attended by over 350 people. Shri H. Venkatachalam, Consul thanked the gathering for their continued support in preserving and promoting Hindi language, especially among young children of the Indian diaspora in BC. He also read out the message of India's Home Minister Shri Amit Shah delivered on the occasion of Hindi Divas earlier this month on 14th September. In his remarks before the gathering, Dr. Ajay Garg, President of the Hindi Literary Society of Canada mentioned about the activities of the Society. Prizes were given away to young winners in different categories for Hindi writing and Hindi recitation competitions held earlier by the Society. The Hindi Literary Society also paid tribute to Mr. Anand Jain, one of their important office bearers who sadly passed away recently. Through talks, remarks, short drama (laghu natika), folk music and dances (lok gaan, lok nritya), the focus of the Lok Mahotsav event was to highlight the richness of Hindi language and culture.
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How to File Quality Complaints / Trade Disputes to DGFT? Important Trade Fairs in India – To know more, click on 3|P a g e
Vol. 03, Issue 39, October 04, 2019.
Vice Consul Commerce Mrs. Sunila Krishnan attended the Vancouver Saree Fest organised by Vancouver Saree Seize to promote the most Indian fashionable attire saree from different states of India on September 29th, 2019 at Surrey.
The Know India Seminar (September 27, 2019) On 27th September, 2019 the Consulate partnered with the India Tourism, New York Office to organize a 'Know India Seminar' to commemorate the World Tourism Day. This year the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated India as the host country for celebrating World Tourism Day with the theme 'Tourism & Jobs - a better future for all'. The Know India Seminar, which was held at the Consulate, was attended by a large number of owners and representatives of tour operating and travel agencies based in Vancouver and Toronto. The seminar's objective was to apprise them of new guidelines on visa and availability of new and exciting travel opportunities in India. Presentations were made by officers of the Consulate and India Tourism, New York Office. The event also served as a curtain raiser to the International Travel Expo 2019 in Vancouver that opened the next day.
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12th Know Goa Programme The 12th Know Goa Programme is scheduled to be held from 04th to 18th January, 2020. It is intended for young professionals in the age group of 21 to 30 years who have distinguished themselves in various fields and who have shown an abiding interest in Goa and India. During their visit, the participants will get an opportunity to visit premier educational, cultural, historical and other places of interest, besides interacting with local Goans, elected representatives at all levels, as well as Government dignitaries like Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Hon’ble Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Hon’ble Commissioner for NRI Affairs, etc. The participants during their visit to New Delhi will get an opportunity to see World Heritage Monuments like the Red Fort, Taj Mahal, etc. The Government of Goa will bear 90% of the total cost of the lowest economy air fare from the home country of the participant to India and back besides entire cost of local travel, accommodation and meals. Applications are solicited from interested youth in the prescribed format. The Envelope may please be titled ‘12th Know Goa Programme’ and dropped/mailed to ‘Consulate General of India, Vancouver, 201-325 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1Z7 latest by 15th November, 2019 or Application can be send through email either on com.vancouver@mea.gov.in or com2.vancouver@mea.gov.in latest by 15th November, 2019. 1. 2. 3.
Application form along with the terms and conditions and the eligibility (pdf format) Application form along with the terms and conditions and the eligibility (word format) List of documents
Please note: Incomplete or handwritten application will not be considered. 4|P a g e
Vol. 03, Issue 39, October 04, 2019.
Cultural Heritage - Festivals of India Durga Puja Festival (October 4-8, 2019) Durga Puja is a Hindu celebration of the Mother Goddess and the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival honors the powerful female force (shakti) in the Universe. In honor of mother goddess Durga, beautifully handcrafted statues of the goddess and her children are installed in podiums in almost every lane of the city during this festival. People flock to the streets to view the displays amid mesmerizing light shows, drumming, and aromatic food stalls. On the last day of the festival, the statues are paraded around the city before being submerged in the river. Read more about the Durga Puja festival and the best ways to experience Durga Puja in Kolkata.
Where: Kolkata, West Bengal. Durga Puja is also widely celebrated in neighboring Odisha. Visit https://www.tripsavvy.com/durg a-puja-festival-essential-guide1539246 for more information...
(Picture Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/durga-puja-festival-essential-guide-1539246)
India News Section 1. PM Modi hands over India's gift to UN: $1m Gandhi solar park PM Narendra Modi formally handed over on Tuesday India's gift to the United Nations: a $1 million Gandhi Solar Park. Dwarfed by Manhattan's skyscrapers, the 193 panels, each representing a UN member state, have been installed on the roof of the conference building at the UN headquarters here. Read more… (Times of India, Friday, 27th September 2019, 8:01 am)
2. Keeping the Mahatma’s light shining This October, while India hosts grand celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over a million students from over 100 countries across five continents will pay tribute to the Father of our Nation – in a way he would have probably truly appreciated. They are expected to assemble their solar study lamps. Read more… (Mongabay, Monday, 30th September 2019, 10:57 am)
3. India's economy to be world's 2nd fastest growing at 6% The UN trade agency has projected India's growth rate for the current year to slowdown at 6 per cent from last year's 7.4 per cent, but the country will be the world's second fastest growing economy, lagging by just a tiny fraction behind China. Read more… (Economic Times, Friday, 27th September 2019, 8:05 am)
4. NASA launches miniature satellite designed by Indian teen The miniature satellite was successfully launched from NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in the US state of New Mexico early Tuesday and achieved an altitude of 38 km. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched a miniature satellite designed by a 17-year-old Indian student to the edge of the space. The satellite named “RamanSat 2” and measuring 4 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm, has been developed by a budding astronomer, Aabhaas Sikka, who is currently studying mechanical engineering in Delhi, the media reported on Wednesday. Read more… (Sputnik News, Friday, 27th September 2019, 2:39 am)
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Vol. 03, Issue 39, October 04, 2019. 5. Towards Skilling Rural Indian Women Social development and economic growth of a country is heavily reliant on its female labour force. The Indian female demography appears to be moderately empowered, yet are inadequately represented from an employment perspective, despite increasing literacy rate. Intensification in women workforce participation would require increasing employability through technical and vocational education and stimulation in skill-building, particularly for Indian women. Read more‌ (Sentinel Assam, Thursday, 26th September 2019, 8:23 am)
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