VIDEO PRESENTATIONS 2004

JANUARY 2004

The following presentations on “NRI Women in Visual Arts” were video taped in the presence of a live audience of about 50 persons on Sunday, June 22nd, 2003 in Mississauga, Ontario. The Ontario Region of National Indo-Canadian Council assisted in co-ordinating this session.

We had hoped to enjoy the presence of Dr. Kappu Desai at the video taping session, but couldn't since ill health prevented her from joining us that day. Since then, we hoped to set up a private taping session with her so that we could include her Quilt Making presentation in the video. With regret, we have decided to post the content without her presentation which can be seen in segment (b) below.

a) For a presentation by Mrs. Shanta Ragde from Kitchener on Painting, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

b) For a presentation by Rajen Merchant on behalf of Dr. Kappu Desai from Don Mills on Quilt Making, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

c) For a presentation by Mrs. Jayshree Thakrar from Mississauga on Photography, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

d) For presentation by Miss Reena Merchant from Scarborough on Rangoli, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

e) For presentation by Mrs. Punita Kotak from Mississauga on Mehndi, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

f) For presentation by Ms. Anita Agrawal, Chair of the Board and Ms. Rachel Kalpana James, Director of the South Asian Visual Arts Collective about their activities and various services they offer, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

g) For presentation by Dr. Deepali Dewan, Associate Curator of South Asian Civilization at the Royal Ontario Museum, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

h) For best wishes from NICC President and Representatives from Toronto, Hamilton, and Kitchener Chapters of NICC, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

i) For Introduction to the High Commissioner of India, Her Excellency Shashi Tripathi and her comments, PLEASE CLICK HERE.   

j) For Brief Introduction to Everyone present, PLEASE CLICK HERE.   

FEBRUARY 2004

The following presentations were video taped in presence of a live audience of about 50 persons on November 16, 2003 in Mississauga, Ontario. The Ontario Region of National Indo-Canadian Council assisted in co-ordinating this session. 

a) For presentations by guests (Mr. Surinder Sharma, President, IIT Alumni Association and Mr. Sharad Chandra, President, National Indo-Canadian Council) about activities of the organizations they represent, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

b) For presentations on Reception for the four MPPs of South Asian background who were recently elected to the Ontario Legislature - Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, Mr. Vic Dhillon, Dr. Kuldip Kular, and Mr. Harinder Takhar 
-     Welcome & Congratulations from the NICC Ontario Region and National Executives, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.
-     Comments by Mr. Vic Dhillon, MPP, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.
-     Congratulations from Participants I, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.
-     Congratulations from Participants II, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.
-     Comments by Mr. Andrew Kania and Mr. Krishan Khetarpal, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.
-     Comments by Dr. Kuldip Kular, MPP, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.
-     Comments by Mr. Harinder Takhar, PLEASE CLICK  HERE.

MARCH 2004

Merchant & Associates organized “A Tribute to M. G. Vassanji” who recently won the Giller prize for the second time on Sunday, January 25, 2004. For details, please call us at 416-725-0909.

The following presentations were video taped in presence of a live audience of about 50 persons at this tribute held in Markham, Ontario. The Ontario Region of National Indo-Canadian Council and Doubleday Canada assisted in coordinating this session. 

a) For messages and greetings from participating community groups and sponsors, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

b) For remarks by Prof. David Rowe, University of Toronto and Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, (MPP), PLEASE CLICK HERE.

c) For remarks by Mr. Austin Clarke, Author Mrs. Subhashini Khetarpal, Freelancer, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

d) For remarks by Prof. Chelva Kanaganayakam, University of Toronto, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

e) For remarks by Prof. David Staines, University of Ottawa, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

f) For remarks by Prof. Cecil Foster, University of Guelph, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

g) For remarks by Mr. Brad Martin, Executive Vice President, Doubleday Canada and a Message from Prof. Arun Mukherjee, York University, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

h) For remarks by Hon. Jim Karygiannis, MP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

i) For remarks by Mr. D. K. Baruah, Director, Tourism India, Toronto; Mr. Krishan Khetarpal, Consul, Consulate General of India, Toronto; Message from Mr. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario; and Message from Mrs. Parbati Sen Vyas, Acting High Commissioner of India, Ottawa, PLEASE CLICK HERE.  

j) For Message from Hon. Helene Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada, Ottawa, remarks by Mr. M. G. Vassanji, and concluding remarks by Mr. Rajen Merchant, PLEASE CLICK HERE. 

APRIL 2004

The following presentations were video taped in presence of a live audience of about 500 persons at the last talent show held in 2003 in Brampton, Ontario.

a) For presentation by Ashie Dalal and Kruti Mehta Part I, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

b) For presentation by Ashie Dalal and Kruti Mehta Part II, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

c) For a lively dance on popular song "Nimbooda", PLEASE CLICK HERE.

d) For presentation by Ms. Nilima Parikh as "Draupadi", PLEASE CLICK HERE.

JULY 2004

Amazing Amma

We have been involved in video productions since 1980. When we saw the video on Amritavarsham 50 (which we were requested to present here), we thought this unique video would be of interest to many.

 For videos on Amritavarsham 50 -Golden Jubilee Birthday Celebrations organized from 24th to 27th September 2003, please click the following links. 

                              For Part 1 - Introduction (Time 5:46), click here.

                              For Part 2 - Day One - 24 September 2003, Flag Hoisting Ceremony, and Interfaith Summit (Time 7:11), click here.

                              For Part 3 - Amritavarsham 50 -Grand Inauguration by Hon. L. K. Advani (Deputy Prime Minister of India), release of Commemorative Souvenir & Picture Book, and launching of Amrita TV (Time 6:25), click here.

                              For Part 4 - Inauguration of Cultural Programmes & Presentations by People from Different Countries (Time 5:12), click here.

                              For Part 5 - Presentations by People from Different Countries (Time 2:23), click here.

                              For Part 6 - Day Two 25 September 2003, Women's Initiative (Time 6:47), click here.

                              For Part 7 - Inauguration of M. A. Math AIDS Hospital & Cultural Presentations by People from Different Countries (Time 5:22), click here.

                              For Part 8 - Cultural Presentations by People from Different Countries (Time 3:10), click here.

                              For Part 9 - Day Three 26 September 2003, International Youth Summit (Time 4:30), click here.

                              For Part 10 - Jalamahasangam , Procession of Representatives of 191 UN member countries symbolising the unity of mankind, & Merging of waters from all over the World (Time 5:52), click here.

                              For Part 11 - Procession & Merging of waters from all over the World (Time 5:22), click here.

                              For Part 12 - H. E. President of India Dr. A . P. J. Abdul Kalam Addressing 100,000 Youth in the name of peace & harmony, other inspirational messages (Time 4:47), click here.

                              For Part 13 - Worldwide Business Leaders Summit and CEO Summit Report (Time 4:48), click here.

                              For Part 14 - Cultural Presentations, Day Four 27 September 2003, Message from Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (Vice President of India), (Time 4:49), click here.

                              For Part 15 - Mass Marriages, Announcement of Free Legal Aid and Donation of 100,000 homes, and kitchen facilities for the celebrations (Time 4:05), click here.

                              For Part 16 - Colours of Compassion – Exhibition of 108 paintings inspired by Amma’s life and teachings (Time 5:39), click here.

                              For Part 17 - Conclusions (Time 6:41, Total Time 78:49), click here.

AUGUST 2004

GLIMPSES OF ICCC 13th Annual Awards and 27th Gala Night

by Rajen Merchant

As a founding member, it was my great pleasure to attend the 27th Gala of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. During the last few years, we (myself or Rekha) have not been able to personally attend the Gala due to busy summer activities. Some of our NRI-club members have attended on our behalf and have reported on this annual event. This year I could attend and meet some of our old friends.

Back in 1976, when some of us got together to start the Chamber, of course, there was no internet and there were no fancy audio-visual gadgets.  We all had a dream and a vague idea of how it would transpire. During the course of time, ICCC had its own ups and downs, just like other Indo-Canadian organizations such as India Canada Association, NACOI, and FOGA. Undoubtedly, ICCC has not only survived the blows of time, it has prospered very well.  Below, we present, video clips of the 27th Gala held on Saturday, June 19, 2004. These clips provide a visual perception of this progress. 

a) Welcome by ICCC President Mr. Pradeep Sood (Time 0:33), click here.

b) Role & Achievements of ICCC by President Mr. Pradeep Sood (Time 1:19), click here.

c) Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Part 1 (Time 0:19), click here.

d) Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Part 2 (Time 0:20), click here.

e) Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Part 3 (Time 0:36), click here.

f) Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Part 4 (Time 1:36), click here.

g) Entertainment (Time 0:54), click here.

h) Mr. Michael Bregman, Chief Guest (Time 1:35), click here.

i) Dr. Srikanta Swamy receives 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award (Time 0:31), click here.

j) Dr. Srikanta Swamy acknowledges 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award (Time 1:18), click here.

k) Gary Singh receives and acknowledges 2004 Humanitarian Award (Time 2:01), click here.

l) Bob Dhillon receives and acknowledges 2004 Businessman Award (Time 1:40), click here.

m) Dr. Dhun Noria receives and acknowledges 2004 Businesswoman Award (Time 1:47), click here.

n) Dr. Virendra Jha receives and acknowledges 2004 Professional Man Award (Time 1:07), click here.

o) Suhana Meharchand receives and acknowledges 2004 Professional Woman Award (Time 2:16), click here.

p) Rahul Raj receives and acknowledges 2004 Youth Achievement Award (Time 1:23), click here.

q) Aditya Jha receives and acknowledges 2004 Technology Achievement Award (Time 1:21), click here.

r) Ramesh Chotai receives and acknowledges 2004 President's Award (Time 1:24), click here.

s) Sudarshan Jagannathan receives and acknowledges 2004 Member Award (Time 1:23), click here.

t) Conclusion (Time 0:18, Total Time 22:23), click here.

Symposium on Current Public Health Issues

Merchant & Associates organized a “Symposium on Current Public Health Issues” on Sunday, May 2, 2004, at Swagat Banquet Hall, Markham, Ontario.

The following presentations were video taped in the presence of a live audience of about 45 persons at this symposium. Ontario Region of National Indo-Canadian Council, National Indo-Canadian Council-Toronto Chapter, and Federation of Gujarati Associations assisted in coordinating this session. For viewing these presentations, please click appropriate links.

a) Introduction and Presentation by Dr. Sunil V. Patel, President, Canadian Medical Association Part 1 (Time 9:36), click here.

b) Presentation by Dr. Sunil V. Patel Part 2 (Time 15:05), click here.

c) Presentation by Dr. Kuldip Kular, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, Government of Ontario (Time 13:11), click here.

d) Presentation by Dr. Rasik Morzaria, President, CAPIO (Canadian Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) Part 1 (Time 18:46), click here.

e) Presentation by Dr. Rasik Morzaria, Part 2 (Time 19:57), click here.

f) Remarks by Mr. Rajen Merchant, Vice President, Ontario Region, National Indo-Canadian Council and Presentation by Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Children’s Services, Government of Ontario, Part 1 (Time 15:06), click here.

g) Presentation by Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, Part 2 (Time 17:21), click here.

h) Remarks by Mr. Elesh Ruparel, President, Federation of Gujarati Associations, Toronto, Remarks by Mrs. Malvina Ram, President, National Indo-Canadian Council-Toronto Chapter, and Presentation by Dr. Vivian Rambihar, Cardiologist and Founder of South Asian Heart Foundation, Part 1 (Time 18:26), click here.

i) Presentation by Miss Sherryn Rambihar, UWO Medical Student involved in Community Heart Health Issues for Women & Children and Presentation by Dr. Vivian Rambihar, Part 2 (Time 14:10), click here.

j) Remarks by Mr. P. Nandakumaran, President & CEO, State Bank of India (Canada), Remarks by Dr. Neil Gajjar, and Remarks by Mr. D. K. Baruah, Director, Tourism India, Toronto (Time 10:03), click here.  

k) Remarks by Mr. Abdul Hai Patel, Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commissioner and Concluding Remarks by Dr. Vivian Rambihar (Time 19:02, Total Time 2:50:43). click here.

SEPTEMBER 2004

Glimpses of Mela 2003 organized by India Canada Association, Waterloo Region

by Rekha Merchant

Kitchener is one of the places I always enjoyed visiting. Since 1977, I have visited Kitchener on several occasions such as events organized by the India Canada Association of Waterloo Region and the National Indo-Canadian Council. As the National Vice President of the National Indo-Canadian Council, I enjoyed working with dedicated community workers like Chandrika Anjaria, Professor Raj Dubey, Shanta Dubey, Dr. Susan George, and Shiv Talwar.

The last time I visited Kitchener was for a very special event, Mela 2003, organized by the India Canada Association of Waterloo Region. This Mela was organized for the first time in the history of the Association. Mr. Ian Mendes, the President, and his team put in a lot of efforts to put together this event. Various food stalls, art and craft booths, and entertainment & cultural program involving our youth were some highlights of the Mela.

Provided below is a list of video clips (of the Mela held on Saturday, September 20, 2003) which can be viewed through links below. These clips provide a visual perception of the enthusiasm and excitement that prevailed at the Mela.

a) Opening Remarks, National Anthems, & Lighting of Lamps by Mr. Mendes (Time 6:07), click here.
b) Welcome by Mr. Mendes (Time 2:07), click here.
c) Messsages from Presidents of Participating Organizations (Time 11:48), click here.
d) Introduction to Mela (Time 2:09), click here.
e) Dance - "Dholna" (Time 4:43), click here.
f) Dance - "Dola Re" (Time 4:00), click here.
g) Keyboard Playing (Time 3:44), click here.
h) Stall About India (Time 0:32), click here.
i) More Stalls (Time 5:14), click here.
j) Dances on Bollywood Music (Time 4:12), click here.
k) Fashion Show (Time 3:37, Total Time 48:13), click here.

Mela 2004 is being held this year at Forest Heights Community Centre, Kitchener, Ontario on September 18, 2004. For details, please call Ian Mendes at 519-585-7577, Chandrika Anjaria at 519-579-2797, or Shanta Dubey at 519-885-2772.

OCTOBER 2004

 Glimpses of Cricket Matches between US All-star Under 13 and Toronto

by Rajen Merchant

Three cricket matches between US All-star Under 13 and a Toronto team were held on September 4 and 5 at Sunnybrook Park Toronto. 

Provided below is a special exclusive video presentation prepared from video clips on these matches. To view this presentation (Duration 16:22), click here.

NOVEMBER 2004

 On Video Presentations and Community News

With your support and participation, we are planning for more specialised video presentations. For more information and announcements on ZSO Natak and Indian Film Festival (Duration 12:46), please click here.

The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) are partnering once again to celebrate the Third Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 7-9, 2005 at Mumbai. For details, please contact the closest Indian Mission or visit www. indiaday.org. For video presentation, please click here.