December 2011
This brief summary of the fall’s activities at the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy at Carleton University demonstrates the commitment of Carleton University to advancing this project.
After the successful Canada-India Innovation and Education Summits as well as the opening at which we honoured our many valued donors, the Centre’s Board of Directors, faculty and staff spent the next several months working diligently both in Canada and in India.
Gandhi Statue Gifted by Government of India
At an event attended by more than 300 people, Carleton University proudly unveiled a permanent statue of Mahatma Gandhi (right) created by noted Delhi-based sculptor Ram Sutar in front of the new River Building on campus on October 2. Mahatma Gandhi has inspired countless people in the struggle for peace, justice, and inter-cultural understanding. The statue symbolizes his legacy of inspiration. It also represents Carleton University’s mission to promote peace through dialogue, research, and scholarship, and reflects the University’s deep commitment to promoting respect for cultural, religious and political diversity on campus and in the community.
The statue was donated to the University by the Government of India. Carleton was supported by the High Commission of India, the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council, the Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber, and the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy in the installation and unveiling of the statue.
Strengthening Long-standing Academic Collaboration between Canada and India
The Centre also participated in many Year of India events including language and cultural events hosted by the High Commission of India—among them a presentation by writers from the Sahitya Akademi of India. The University hosted several notable visits with government officials from India including a senior Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture as well as guests from universities in Gujarat and business people including the CORE group, and a campus visit from a delegation of high school principals from India.
For more than twenty-five years, Carleton University has had joint academic and policy projects with universities and NGOs in India. A few highlights include:
Dr. Fraser Taylor’s geo-spatial research has involved both the Government of India and academic counterparts in India. It is featured in October’s issue of the Carleton University Research Works magazine.
In November, Carleton formalized its collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Teri University and Symbiosis International University. These agreements foster the exchange of undergraduate and graduate students. The agreements will also provide opportunities to combine expertise and real-world experience in the areas of technology management, alternative energy, economics, public policy and engineering.
The FICCI-Carleton Innovation Summit in New Delhi had presentations from Carleton and Ryerson Universities. Carleton also presented at the FICCI Higher Education Summit in New Delhi.
We are grateful to long-time Carleton University community volunteer Jacques Shore for his participation on behalf of the Canada-India Centre at the recent Indu Conference in Bangalore.
Following initial meetings held by Laj Prasher and Ravi Subramanian, Dr. Kim Matheson, Vice-President, Research and International and Sandra Crocker, Associate Vice-President, Research Planning and Operations, met in India with representatives from the Gujurat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Company in India regarding academic cooperation.
Many Carleton professors regularly visit India for purposes of academic collaboration. This time, we highlight Carleton University professor Dr. Ram Achar, who has organized a special session at the India National Engineering Congress, Mumbai and at the invitation of the High Commission in India he will also participate in the Techfest conference in India.
We look forward to an outstanding year ahead as the Canada-India Centre takes occupancy in the beautiful new River Building on the Carleton campus. This dynamic new space will have state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities as well as beautiful views of the Rideau River. It is a most convenient location just minutes from the Ottawa airport and downtown and will be the perfect place for the Canada-India Centre. The next time you are on campus, I invite you to take a look!
I also invite any of you who might be working with a prospective student to ask them to consider Carleton University.
Season’s greetings and best wishes for a brilliant new year!
Sincerely yours,
Roseann O’Reilly Runte
President & Vice-Chancellor