Celebration of Holi festival and various Media Interactions held during Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations by CGI, Vancouver (March 2021)
i) Celebration of Holi- "Holi ke Rang Antakshari ke Sang" with folk songs dedicated to celebrating Holi and the welcoming of spring (20 March 2021). ii) Consul General Mr. Manish gave an interview to 600 AM Sher-e-Punjab Radio to brief listeners / Indian Diaspora about the launch of India @ 75 celebrations and the appealed for collaboration of Indian Associations and Diaspora in the celebrations (22 March 2021). iv) Consul General Mr. Manish gave an exclusive interview to Zee TV Canada in their BC Roundup program to brief viewers / Indian diaspora about the launch of India @ 75 celebrations (26 March 2021). v) “Fagun ke Rang, Apno ke Sang” - Holi 2021 celebration (28 March, 2021). vi) Virtual meetings to discuss organizing India@75 events (29 March - 04 April 2021). In addition, Consul General also sent out a letter to all Indo-Canadian Associations and Community leaders to apprise them of the launch of India@75 and enlist their partnership in the ensuing celebrations.
Competition, Commemoration of 130th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and photo exhibition organised during Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations by CGI, Toronto (April 2021)
ART & ESSAY COMPETITION On occasion of Sikh Heritage month in Canada and on occasion of the 400th Birth Anniversary Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the second edition of the Art and Essay competition was announced on April 1st. Participants can submit their entries based on the following themes (i) Life and Teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. (ii) Five Sins to be conquered (Panj Chor), (iii) Three Golden Principles (Naam Japo, Vandd Chhako, Kirat Karo). ii) On occasion of the 130th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R Ambedkar a social media quiz was organized on the official Twitter and Facebook handles of the Post, between April 12 and 14. One question was posted everyday and selected winners were awarded prizes. iii) A photo exhibition was also displayed at the Consulate. Bihu Celebrations (17 April) Asom Sangha Canada celebrated Rongali Bihu virtually on 17th April 2021. iv) Earth Day (18 April) On occasion of Earth Day, Consulate in association with Panorama India organized a live "The Art of Recycling" workshop to craft an ethnic Indian photo frame using waste material on 18 April, 2021.
Media Interactions; Cultural Events; Health ,Wellness and Yoga events organised during Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations by CGI, Toronto ( May 2021)
Media Interactions: Zee Spotlight (May 6), Hamdard (May 7), PTC Punjab Canada (May 13), Y Media (May 12), Canadian Sath (May 27): Consul General as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, gave an interviews to various media stations on our perspective on the current situation in India, the Canada India Healthcare Summit, Consular matters, CULTURAL PROGRAMMES Mother’s Day Tribute (May 9): Consul General joined Mother's Day Celebrations by Panorama India on May 9th 2021. The celebrations had local community artistes paying tribute to mothers. Seniors and children paid homage through virtual performances. Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore (May 9-10) On occasion of the 160th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Consulate in association with Saugandhikam Dance Academy paid virtual tributes to Rabindranath Tagore with dance performances by over 60 children between the ages of 6 and 24. Call of Dawn - Odissi Performance (May 8) An Odissi performance, Call of Dawn was presented by Bijayini Satpathy. The presentation included a Collage of Compositions in Raag Ahirbhairav. The performance was organised in association with Sampradaya Dance Creations. The performances were streamed online and a part of the proceeds of the tickets were contributed towards COVID-19 relief funds in India. Ahalya - Mohiniattam Performance (May 8) A Mohiniattam performance, Ahalya was presented by Dr. Methil Devika. Moving Boundaries - Bharatanatyam Performance (May 15) A Bharatanatyam performance, Moving Boundaries was presented by Rama Vaidyanathan. Lost – Kathak Performance (May 15) A kathak performance, Lost was presented by Aditi Mangaldass. Rabindra Nazrul Jayanti (May 29) Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti was organized in association with Bichitra – Bengali Association of Manitoba. Consul General greeted the members on the occasion and paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. The virtual programme also included performances by local and Indian artistes. EDUCATION Education Fund – 1 Million C$ (May 21) An education fund of Canadian Dollar 1 Million was launched in partnership with Canada India Foundation and Toronto University Health Network. This fund will support research to blend traditional holistic health principles-advanced rehabilitation to prevent & provide better care for diabetes, cancer cardiovascular & chronic kidney diseases in South Asian communities. Exploring Pathways for India-Canada Collaborations (May 28) Consulate in association with Bharat Centre of Canada held a workshop on “Exploring new pathways for Canada India Collaboration” with focus to showcase multifaceted aspects of “Make in India” story. HEALTH AND WELLNESS Canada India Healthcare Summit (May 20-21) Canada India Healthcare Summit 2021 (CHIS 2021) was a collaborative initiative of Canada India Foundation, with Toronto Rehab Foundation– University Health Network (UHN), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Consulate General of India in Toronto. CIHS 2021 was held on May 20 & 21 with over 50 eminent speakers with educative sessions on Healthcare post COVID19. The themes chosen were Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), Biotechnology, and their efforts to overcome COVID-19, as well as Pandemic Responses and Initiatives. The summit featured prominent Indian and Canadian healthcare practice and thought leaders in the country including Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman of Medanta Group, Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals and Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, the Health Secretary, Ministry of Health, Govt. of India. Yoga for Wellness (May 23) Yoga for wellness was organized in association with Art of Living. The session included exercises for general health, breathing techniques and Pranayama. The event was streamed on the facebook handle of the Consulate. Blood Donation Camp (May 26) A Blood Donation Camp was organized in association with My Indians in Canada Association and Canadian Blood Services. Chair Yoga (May 31) Panorama India with the support of the Consulate organized a special “Chair Yoga and Guided Mindful Mediation Session” on Sunday, May 30, 2021, at 11 00 AM (EST), featuring - Reema Sarin, Yoga Instructor.
Srijani Global in partnership with Consulate General of India, Vancouver celebrated Kranti Diwas - Quit India Movement as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (August 2021)
Srijani Global in partnership with Consulate General of India, Vancouver celebrated Kranti Diwas - Quit India Movement as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (August 2021)
Flag hoisting ceremony in Consulate General of India, Vancouver (August 2021)
Flag hoisting ceremony in Consulate General of India, Vancouver to commemorate 75th Independence Day of India - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (August 2021)
Cultural event “Sur Utsav-Azadi kay Rung Tarango kay Sung” to commemorate 75th Independence Day of India - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by CGI Vancouver (August 2021))
Kalakar Junction Foundation in partnership with Consulate General of India, Vancouver, organized a cultural event “Sur Utsav-Azadi kay Rung Tarango kay Sung” to commemorate 75th Independence Day of India - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on 15th August 2021 4-6 PM (PST).
Celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, National Unity Day
Consulate General of India, Vancouver, in partnership with Hindu Temple Burnaby and Ganesh Hindi School, organized a Painting Competition.Consul General Manish awarded the 'Appreciation Certificates and Prizes to winners and participants of 'Painting Competition' on 30th October, 2021.
Consul General Mr. Manish administered Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Week
On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Week - 29th October, 2021, Consul General Mr. Manish administered a pledge to the officials of the Consulate. Members of the Consulate renewed their commitment to preserve the unity & integrity of our nation.
Commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence – Amrit Mahotsav and on the occasion of "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas"
Consulate General of India, Vancouver, organized an event titled “Varishth Yoddha” on 31st October, 2021 to honour and felicitate Indian ex-servicemen from Greater Vancouver area. At the well attended event which was held at Fraserview Banquet Hall in Vancouver, Consul General Mr. Manish lauded the exemplary service given to the Indian Armed Forces by 27 veteran soldiers who now call British Columbia their home. Consul General also read out the special message sent on the occasion by Hon. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Sijngh. He was later joined by distinguished elected representatives Hon. Raj Chouhan, Speaker of Legislative Assembly of BC; Hon. Randeep Sarai, Member Parliament, Hon. Jinny Simms, MLA Surrey-Panorama, Hon. Mr. Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey-Fleetwood and Hon. Dr. Gulzar Cheema, ex-MP, who presented the ex-servicemen with mementoes (plaque and shawl). The cultural part of the program included songs by Faizan Mansuri, a young IT professional from Gujarat and classical dance performances by Ms. Ruchi Sridhar & Ms. Angel Gautam, young artistes from Greater Vancouver area. An abridged version of a documentary film titled "Black Pepper, White Pepper - Stories from the Trenches" was shown during the event to highlight the contribution of Indian soldiers in WW1 and WW2. The documentary is a production of the PD Division of Ministry of External Affairs of India. The event was moderated by Mr. Sameer Kaushal, a veteran journalist with 24 years experience and currently the News Director and radio host at Sher-e-Punjab radio. He also moderated a fireside chat with three ex-servicement and talked about their experiences in the Indian armed forces and what motivated them to become a soldier. The event was telecast live on Sanjha TV and News Only Channels by our media partner for the event FYI Media Group, Surrey. It was also live-streamed on Facebook page of the Consulate.
Consulate General of India, Vancouver, celebrated ‘Ayurveda Day-2021’ with the theme – ‘Ayurvedic for Nutrition’ as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Post also organized a virtual Webinar on the theme “Ayurveda for Nutrition” to celebrate ‘Ayurveda Day 2021’ on 30th November, 2021 which was also live broadcasted on Facebook page of the Consulate. The virtual event was addressed by the Consul General and four other keynote speakers/panelists, which include: i. Dr. Arun Garg, Chair and President, Canada India Network Society(CINS) ii. Dr. Neelam Toprani, President & CEO, Padmashri Natural Inc. Vancouver iii. Mr. Todd Caldecott, Medical Herbalist & Practitioner of Ayurveda (Executive Director of the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine) iv. Dr. Swami Satya Prakash, Varad Ashram Inter Cultural Service Humanitarian World Association and VYASA Canada
Celebration of Constitution Day, 26th November 2021
To Celebrate #SamvidhanDiwas, Consul General Mr. Manish along with Team India read "The Preamble" to the Constitution in the Chancery on 26th November,2021
Celebration of Constitution Day – 26th November, 2021 (Part 2)
Consulate General of India, Vancouver, in partnership with Chetna Association of Canada, celebrated ‘Constitution Day’ on 26 November 2021 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 November 1949 by the Constitute Assembly of India as part of #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav.
Commemorating Mahaparinirvan Diwas on 6th December 2021
To commemorate Dr. Ambedkar: Mahaparinirvan Divas on 6th December, 2021 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Post organized the following events: (1) A ceremony was organized in the premises of the Chancery and Consul General and officials of the Consulate paid a floral tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4471933272890786/4471907962893317/ https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1467990183224111104/photo/1 ; (2) A ceremony was organized at the Burnaby City Hall to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 66th death anniversary. During the ceremony Consul General Manish; Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, City of Burnaby; Secretary General Jai Birdi and VP Harmesh Chander and Treasure Surjit Bains of Chetna Association of Canada paid floral tribute to the portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Consul General recalled great contribution of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for social justice and equality for all citizens and significance of Mahaparinirvan in Buddhist philosophy. The portrait of Babashaeb is in Burnaby City Hall since 2005. https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475259035891543/4475258089224971/ https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475259035891543/4475258069224973 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475259035891543/4475258202558293 https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1468023333723820038/photo/2 https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1468023333723820038/photo/3 https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1468023333723820038/photo/4 (3) A ceremony was organized at the Library of Simon Fraser University (SFU) to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 66th death anniversary. During the ceremony Consul General Manish; Dr Gwen Bird, Dean of Libraries of Simon Fraser University; Secretary General Jai Birdi, Vice President Harmesh Chander and Treasure Surjit Bains of Chetna Association of Canada paid floral tribute to the bust of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The bust of Babashaeb was installed in SFU in 2004. Consul General highlighted the role of Dr. Ambedkar in empowering the women by protecting and providing equal rights to them. Dr. Bird also highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s role in making the Constitution https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1468044502795309056/photo/2 https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1468044502795309056/photo/3 https://twitter.com/cgivancouver/status/1468044502795309056/photo/4 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475276142556499/4475275279223252/ https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475276142556499/4475275285889918 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475276142556499/4475288805888566 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475276142556499/4475289002555213 (4) Consulate General in Vancouver in partnership with Chetna Association of Canada and Guru Ravidas Sabha organized a prayer meeting at Guru Ravidass Community Center in Burnaby as part of commemoration of Dr. Ambedkar: Mahaparinirvan Day on 6th December. The ceremony was attended by members from all the partner institutions. The programme started with rendition of Panchseela, followed by tributes made by Consul General Manish; Mr Rick Toora, President of Guru Ravidass Sabha, Secretary General of Chetna Association Jai Birdi and other community members. Consul General in his speech highlighted Babasaheb’s guiding principals, philosophy and his role in ensuring the rights of the poor section of society in the Constitution for their upliftment. https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475328975884549/4475315745885872/ https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475328975884549/4475315775885869 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475328975884549/4475315769219203 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475328975884549/4475315832552530 https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/photos/pcb.4475328975884549/4475315882552525 (5) A documentary titled “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ was also live screened on the Facebook page of the Consulate. https://www.facebook.com/cgivancouver/videos/596695294776605 https://voiceonline.com/indian-consul-general-manish-leads-dr-ambedkar-maharprinirvan-day-observations/:
Celebration of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2022
In order to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2022, Consulate General of India, Vancouver, organized a Virtual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference on the theme “Strengthening Indo-Canadian Relationship: Role of Diaspora leaders” on 10th January, 2022. Consulate invited Indo-Canadian Diaspora leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon. The panelists in this Virtual Conference were: Hon. Mr. Raj Chouhan Speaker of Legislative Assembly of BC; Hon. Mr. Ranj Pillai Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Culture Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corp and Yukon Liquor Corp; Hon. Mr. Prasad Panda Minister of Infrastructure, Alberta; Hon. Mr. Randeep Sarai MP (Surrey-Centre), British Columbia; Hon. Ms. Jinny Sims MLA (Surrey-Panorama), British Columbia and Hon. Mr. Gary Grewal MLA (Regina), Saskatchewan.
Celebration of National Youth Day 2022
The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, celebrated National Youth Day-2022 and the 159th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on 12th January, 2022 by organizing a Virtual Conference on the theme “The Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovation and New Technology”. The event was presided and moderated by the Consul General of India Mr Manish.
Celebration of National Tourism Day, 25th January 2022
On the occasion of #NationalTourismDay a virtual webinar was organized by Consulate to discuss ideas to improve tourism from Canada to India. Consul General Manish in his welcome address thanked all panelist and India Tourism office, New York for the webinar to #DekhoApnaDesh and highlighted the opportunities in tourism sector between India and Canada including medical & wellness tourism and religious tourism in India and benefits of direct air connectivity between India and Canada. Mr. Senthur Kumaran, Assistant Director, India Tourism Office, New York, screened powerpoint presentation showcasing tourist places, luxury trains, wildlife sanctuaries, ski resorts in Himalayas, camping places, historical monuments in India and tourist opportunities in India
Celebrating Republic Day 2022 (Event 1): 26th January 2022
The Post celebrated the 73th Republic Day on 26 January, 2022 at the Chancery premises with the presence of India-based officers/officials and local staff. Due to COVID-19 regulation in place and limitation on indoor gathering, outside guests were not invited. The celebration commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Consul General Mr. Manish, followed by singing of National Anthem of India and reading out the excerpts of the Address to the Nation by the Honourable President of India delivered on the eve of 73nd Republic Day. The address was read out both in Hindi and English by the Consul General. In his speech, Consul General also gave an overview of the growth of bilateral economic and commercial relations between India and Canada as well as the consular services rendered by the Consulate even during the Covid-19 restrictions. He also appreciated the Indian Diaspora in actively partnering with the Consulate in organizing various events to celebrate 73rd Republic Day of India and #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav in commemoration of 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. The event was organized in compliance with the COVID-19 norms of the Provincial Government of BC. The event was live-streamed on Consulate’s Facebook page 2.The following elected members of Indian heritage from the jurisdiction of the Consulate also sent their greetings video messages on the 73rd Republic Day of India which were also live broadcasted after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony on the FB along with the dance performances by the children of Diaspora: (i) Mr. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, BC & Minister in-charge of Consular Corps of BC; (ii) Mr. Raj Chouhan, Speaker of Legislative Assembly, BC; (iii) Mr. Ranj Pillai, Minister of Economic Development, Yukon; (iv) Ms. Jinny Sims, MLA(Surrey-Panorama), BC; (v) Mr. Gary Grewal, MLA (Regina-North East), BC; (vi) Mr. Parm Bains, MP for Steveston Richmond, BC and (vii) Mr. Jagrup Brar, MLA, BC 3.In addition, various Diaspora leaders and friends of India also sent their video greetings messages on R-Day which were also live streamed on FB of the Consulate.
Celebration of Republic Day 2022 with Indian community associations (Event 2)
The Consulate also celebrated Republic Day in partnership with the following Indian community associations: (a) Phoenix Richmond; (b) The Institute of Chartered Accounts of BC; (c) Rashtriya Kala Avam Sahitya Academy; (d) Nammal Malayalai Association of BC and Vedic Hindu Society of Surrey, Laxmi Narayan Temple
Celebration of Republic Day 2022 with Indian community associations (Event 2)
The Consulate also celebrated Republic Day in partnership with the following Indian community associations: (a) Phoenix Richmond; (b) The Institute of Chartered Accounts of BC; (c) Rashtriya Kala Avam Sahitya Academy; (d) Nammal Malayalai Association of BC and Vedic Hindu Society of Surrey, Laxmi Narayan Temple
Celebration of Republic Day 2022 with Indian community associations (Event 2)
The Consulate also celebrated Republic Day in partnership with the following Indian community associations: (a) Phoenix Richmond; (b) The Institute of Chartered Accounts of BC; (c) Rashtriya Kala Avam Sahitya Academy; (d) Nammal Malayalai Association of BC and Vedic Hindu Society of Surrey, Laxmi Narayan Temple
Celebration of Republic Day 2022 with Indian community associations (Event 2)
The Consulate also celebrated Republic Day in partnership with the following Indian community associations: (a) Phoenix Richmond; (b) The Institute of Chartered Accounts of BC; (c) Rashtriya Kala Avam Sahitya Academy; (d) Nammal Malayalai Association of BC and Vedic Hindu Society of Surrey, Laxmi Narayan Temple
Celebration of Republic Day – Friendship Walk (Event 3)
The Consulate General of India celebrated #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and #RepublicDay2022 in partnership with Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey, and organized a “Friendship Walk” on 29 January, 2022 with the participation of Friends of India, Indo-Canadians and Indian Diaspora.
Celebration of Republic Day – Surya-namaskar project (Event 4)
As part of Celebration of #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and 75 crore Surya-namaskar project of the Government, the Consulate in partnership with Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey, organized ‘Surya namaskar” performance on 29 January, 2022. Yoga Guru Ms. Tarana Kaur led the celebrations with enthusiastic participation of Consul General Mr. Manish, officials of the Consulate and members of India diaspora