Indian Diaspora Council

News

Observance of International Women’s Day 2018

by

Observance of International Women’s Day 2018

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), in collaboration with its global membership and affiliates, is pleased to join with other organizations, associations, agencies, groups and individuals in observance of the 43rd anniversary of United Nations declared International Women’s Day in 2018.

The seeds were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. The idea to make the day international came from Clara Zetkin who suggested the idea of International Women’s Day in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed unanimously. It was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The centenary was celebrated in 2011, so this year we’re technically celebrating the 108th International Women’s Day. It became official in 1975 when the United Nations (UN) started celebrating the day and setting an annual theme.

This year’s theme is #PressforProgress. UN figures show that only half of working age women are represented in the labour force globally. International Women’s Day has become a date to celebrate how far women have come in society, in politics and in economics, while the political roots of the day mean strikes and protests are organized to raise awareness of continued inequality.

“Today’s woman need to be better educated, be assertive and to be able to provide the best that we can for ourselves and our families. Effectively, woman should be treated as equals at home, the work place and in society as a whole and all year round and not just one day of year on International Women’s Day. We should be treated with respect and dignity without suffering abuse of any kind. Women are the backbone of our country and they are phenomenal human beings. The amazing woman is making our society a better place and making strides in our community despite their difficulties” – Rita Abraham, Chair of IDC’s Women’s Forum.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, may we all be reminded that our collective movement toward gender parity should be stronger than ever. We cannot afford to be complacent with the progress we already have. We are still far from total gender equality particularly in less developed countries. Our voices should never wane nor soften until we are heard loud and clear. Gender parity isn’t only for those of us struggling to find our place today but for also the young women who are looking to us for direction and hope. We need to be united on all fronts so that we may hand over a future that is grounded on fairness and equality—a future that not only sees beyond gender limitations but also eliminates them. Together we Press For Progress!” – Shadel Nyack Compton, IDC Coordinator (Grenada); Managing Dir., Belmont Estate Group of Companies St. Patrick, Grenada, West Indies.

“In celebrating women’s achievements from the right to vote, to own property and many other rights, there is a need to continue to commemorate the struggle for equality and the demand for social and political rights. While the voice of women is important in her expression of the unpopular, the voice of men must also be heard in their support for a woman’s many roles in all aspects of society. Thus, this will recognize that, although women have progressed in many aspects of life, she continues to struggle and deal with harassment and bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination and marginalization” – Janet Naidu, Poet and Writer, Canada.

“Women are mothers, sisters, daughters and most of all, they are leaders. They multi task whenever necessary to fulfill these roles in addition to the demands of society. Women take pride in all that they are presented with and accept responsibility without hesitation as they embrace being pillars of our society. They embody resilience, autonomy, confidence yet they are unafraid to be shy or vulnerable. On this day, let’s honor and celebrate the strength of women who have paved the way for growth, motivation and empowerment of others as well as their bold ability to effect social change” – Sharla Khari, PhD, Director, IDC Community Based Rehabilitation.

“A lot of progress have been achieved by women all over the world through determined advocacy, practical action and enlightened policy making, yet women are still treated like second-class citizens and are still fighting against dehumanization and are widely marginalized within the corridor of power. We can still witness the abuse of girl child, raping minor girls and women, sexual harassment in places of work, domestic violence, battered women, facing injustice, stereotyping of women, rise in divorce rate, living in the cycle of poverty, and facing many diseases. Mostly we have seen women are largely underrepresented at most levels of government and have made little progress in attaining political power in legislative bodies. Although women make up at least half of the electorate in almost all countries and have attained right to vote, women still continue to be seriously underrepresented as candidates for legislative and local government elections because the traditional working patterns of many political parties and government structures continue to be barriers to women’s participation in public life. These issues have to be given urgent consideration by giving empowerment and autonomy to women thus leading to the improvement of women’s social, economic, and political status. Without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women’s perspectives at all levels, the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved” – Kritilata Ram, IDC Coordinator, Mauritius.

“We pay homage to all women who struggled for their rights and equitable treatment, and persevered under very harsh conditions and obstacles to achieve respect and dignity. Women have made significant advances in almost all segments of society yet there remain many hurdles to overcome and many obstacles to be removed for women to advance and achieve full potential and bring about equity at all levels. Women account for more than 50% of the population of the world while their untapped resources of talent, skills, aspirations and skills can help society as a whole. IDC’s Women’s Forum has taken many initiatives on women’s issues and women of the Indian Diaspora must be encouraged to advance this agenda forward and be examples to women of the developed and developing world” – Ashook Ramsaran, President, IDC.

IDC Establishes Committee on the Plight of Retrenched Sugar Workers in Guyana

by

IDC Establishes Committee on the Plight of Retrenched Sugar Workers in Guyana

In response to the current dilemma of retrenched sugar workers in Guyana facing desperate hardships, the Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) has joined with other concerned organizations and groups to express its support and urge timely assistance as needed. IDC has established a “Committee on Plight of Retrenched Sugar Workers in Guyana” with the following mission: “To ascertain the plight of entrenched sugar workers and seek ways and means to alleviate the suffering of those sugar workers and their families impacted by retrenchment due to closures of sugar estates. Activities of the committee are non-political, secular and not in conflict with laws or policies of the countries in which the committee would conduct its work”.

In a letter dated January 25, 2018 to Mr. Komal Chand, President of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), IDC stated that, “As is widely known, there are numerous news reports, letters and editorial out of Guyana, the Caribbean region, USA, Canada and UK about the severe consequential suffering and hardships inflicted upon Guyana sugar workers and their families due to closure of sugar estates and retrenchment. It is being widely reported that there is widespread alarm about the plight of these sugar workers and their families which are factual and raises concern about the wellbeing of people who are bearing the consequences of sugar industry and governmental policy changes”.

The IDC statement continued: “We applaud the decades long pioneering successes of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) in representing the interests of Guyanese sugar workers for equitable wages and workers’ rights which have contributed enormously to the economic growth of Guyana. The sugar industry in Guyana, as with other former British colonies, was historically the economic mainstay of highly profitable sugar plantations and later for the independent countries. It is ironic that retrenched sugar workers are the consequential victims of an industry which brought slaves from Africa and Indian indentured laborers for profit and later a significant economic mainstays of the nation. We firmly believe that the retrenched sugar workers are deserving of the nation’s support at this crucial time of need”

IDC concurs that this is a real human problem affecting innocent workers, their families and others dependent on the continuing employment of sugar workers. The consequential effects and impact on society can be staggering and long lasting as the number of retrenched sugar workers are over 17,000 which is a substantial number.

“We urge GAWU and the Government of Guyana to take all necessary steps to quickly remedy the adverse effects on the retrenched sugar workers and their families. We urge all options and opportunities be taken into consideration, such as: Seek alternate markets globally; external investments for reviving closed sugar estates for same or alternate crops; alternate crops using existing irrigation and estate infrastructure; sugar estate land distribution to retrenched sugar workers; other progressive and humane alternatives”.

The IDC letter to Mr. Komal Chand was also copied to: Mr Seepaul Narine, General Secretary, GAWU; HE David Granger, President of the Republic of Guyana; and Amb. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretar. General of CARICOM.

Prof. Jay Nathan, PhD, Endowed Cultural Immersion Scholarship Program

by

Prof. Jay Nathan, PhD, Endowed Cultural Immersion Scholarship Program

Program:
A 3-week cultural immersion program, during the month of July of 2018, to enable students of Indian origin to experience American culture, excursions to historical places and learning English with qualified ESL instructors. Students will receive instruction in topics such as reading and vocabulary, writing, and conversation. Students will also experience American history and culture through a variety of day and weekend activities in Pennsylvania. This intensive, but enjoyable learning-by-doing experience that include music, theatre, field trips to nature walks.

www.keystone.edu

Date & Duration
July 9-27, 2018 (3 weeks)

Scholarship
Includes cost of the program, at Keystone College, room and board at campus, activities and travel by bus from New York to Keystone College in La Plume, Pennsylvania. Facilities include double rooms, lounges, laundry facilities, breakfast/lunch/dinner at campus student restaurant facilities. “We are sure the students will enjoy their experience on our beautiful campus and learn a great deal about life in the United States.” ~ Keystone College President Dr. David Coppola.

Location:
Keystone College, La Plume Campus, 1 College Road, La Plume, Pennsylvania 18440. Keystone College is a private comprehensive college located in La Plume, Northeastern Pennsylvania. The school was founded in 1868. Enrolling approximately 1,400 students, Keystone offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, fine arts, science, environmental resource management, geology, and social sciences. The school is well-regarded for the personalized attention given to students and its small class sizes. Keystone College is located about 15 miles (18 km) from Scranton, PA, 110 miles (175 km) from New York City and 115 miles(185 km) from Philadelphia.

Qualifications
Undergraduate entering freshman/woman 17-18 years of age, good academic standing and references. Person of Indian origin; Citizen of USA or Green Card Holder. Number accepted: Up to 10.

Application
Due date: January 31, 2018 (1/31/18) Use application format below and send via to Prof. Jay Nathan, Ph.D. at: [email protected]

Notification
Accepted applicants will be notified by February 15, 2018 (2/15/18)

Promoted by Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) www.IndianDiasporaCouncil.org Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non-profit organization with global affiliates and membership in 21 countries with the objective to embrace, engage, and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations, and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.

Dr. Narendra Singh awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division)

by

Dr. Narendra Singh awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division)

Humber River Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Narendra Chetram Singh awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) by His Excellency the Right Hon. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

Toronto-based pediatrician Narendra Chetram Singh founded Guyana Help the Kids in 2009 to address neonatal and infant mortality rates in his country of birth. He raised funds to procure essential equipment, then went on to establish a residency program in collaboration with Canadian universities to train Guyanese pediatricians and nurses. Thanks to his efforts, the infant mortality rate in Guyana’s largest hospital has decreased by nearly 40 per cent.

Hospital President & CEO Barb Collins congratulated Dr. Singh, noting “we are all proud of the amazing work Dr. Singh, and many of his colleagues at Humber, do, not just in our hospital every day but beyond into the local and global communities. In Dr. Singh’s case, his leadership has seen the neonatal and infant mortality in his birth country of Guyana drop dramatically, saving the lives of hundreds of babies every year.”

Dr. Singh thanked his partners in Guyana Help the Kids, saying “I’m honoured to share this with them: this is a true team effort from people determined to make a difference for these kids. I also want to thank my colleagues at Humber River Hospital for their support and encouragement at every step.”

IDC Presents Memorandum on Matters of Interest to PIOs from Francophone Territories

by

IDC Presents Memorandum on Matters of Interest to PIOs from Francophone Territories

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) presented to H.E Amb. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to France, on 16th October 2017 a “Memorandum of Matters of Interest to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from Francophone Territories” containing a synopsis of the major issues of interest to persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in Francophone territories who comprise a significant percentage in the Indian Diaspora.

Presenting the memorandum were: Mr. Deo Gosine, President of IDC Trinidad & Tobago; Prof. Francis Ponaman, President IDC Francophone Countries; Dr. Jean Regis Ramsamy, President of IDC Reunion Island; Ms. Rita Abraham (South Africa), Chair of Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum.

The memorandum was developed from input, suggestions and recommendations from multiple sources, including community organizations, scholars, individual and IDC affiliates in several countries. It is also based on IDC’s extensive knowledge and experience, as well as interest within IDC and active engagement with other groups in the worldwide Indian community.

Some of the critical issues pertinent to PIOs from Francophone Territories and suggestions include:

  • Easier accessibility to OCI cards by persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in Francophone Territories who are presently being denied due to lack of original English or French immigration documentation from India to prove direct links to India. IDC proposes acceptance of alternate authenticated documentation as being applied to Mauritius. Refer to attached information in the Memorandum.
  • Preservation of all available English or French immigration documents for posterity and research.
  • Conference sessions at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) be also made available in French via translation means or devices. Sessions specific to Francophone countries to be conducted in French.
  • Know India Programmes (KIP) should accommodate French speaking youth who account for an increasingly significant number of participants annually.
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in Delhi set aside a section for documents, literature, films, documentaries, publications, works of art published in French
The memorandum requested that these matters of interest and concern be consider favourably and forward to the respective ministries of the Government of India for satisfactory resolution as soon as feasible.

(l-r): Jean Regis Ramsamy (Reunion Isl), Deo Gosine, Mrs. Tara Gosine (Trinidad & Tobago), Pankaj Saxena, Minister Consul of Embassy of India in Paris, Rita Abraham (South Africa) and Samarassame Tanigar ( IDC France)

IDC Proposal to co-name 169th Street in Queens, New York in honor of late Kalicharran

by

IDC Proposal to co-name 169th Street in Queens, New York in honor of late Kalicharran

In his remarks at the wake of the late Ramesh D. Kalicharran on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) president Ashook Ramsaran also stated that:

“I have already started the process of renaming a portion of 169th Street as “Kali Avenue”. It is a fitting and well deserved tribute to Kali, his ideals and his legacy”.

This proposal was received with overwhelming applause in the presence of New State Assemblyman David Weprin who read and presented a posthumous tribute proclamation to Kalicharran’s wife Judy.

The proposal being submitted by Ramsaran is to rename 169th Street from Hillside Avenue to Highland Avenue as “Kali Avenue”. Kalicharran had his place of business and his home on 169th Street.

This proposal has the being supported by several New York based Caribbean organizations, groups and individuals – as well elected state and city officials who are very familiar with the outstanding contributions of Kalicharran, especially those officials whose constituency includes or are near to 169th Street.

“We are seeking maximum community and elected official support for this endeavor and we urge everyone to join with us in this well-deserved, life time achievement tribute to an icon of the Caribbean community in New York”. The renaming application will be filed with Community Board #8 and New York City Department of Transportation”, said Ramsaran.

Kritilata Ram again named one of 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius

by

Kritilata Ram again named one of 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius

Kritilata Ram, the Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) Coordinator in Mauritius, has again been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius. Kritilata Ram is one of the hundred women who were recently rewarded at the ceremony 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius. From education to entrepreneurship to social work, health and culture, these feminine elements stand out in the sectors in which they are engaged.

As President of Training & Development at the Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS), her role is to provide specific training to entrepreneurs and start-ups so that they can become independent. “In two years, 1,200 have been trained in communication and project writing,” said Kritilata Ram. Twenty women will also be trained in December so that they can then train 120 women across the country.

Honouring Indian Soldiers who served in World War 1

by

Honouring Indian Soldiers who served in World War 1

FRANCE and INDIA – FREEDOM and LIBERTY by Ragini Arasen

Around 1.3 million soldiers from India participated in World War I (1914-1918). Among them, 140,000 Indian soldiers were sent to France. They were Sikhs, Punjabis and Gurkhas who came to strengthen the British army to defend freedom and liberty in France against invasion. They were soldiers from different ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds. The Indians troops were mobilized on August 8, 1914 at the request of London without even getting any approval from the parliament of New Delhi. At that time, India was under British rule.

The Indian soldiers left the port of Bombay and landed at Marseille in France on September 26, 1914. They were immediately sent on the North front so as to help the French and Belgian soldiers to fight against the Germans. They were dressed in simple light cottons uniforms, which were far too light to face the extreme winter of North of France. They were having frozen feet, pneumonia and life in the muddy trenches was very hard to bear for the Indians who were not used to this climate. In 1914 and 1915, the Indian soldiers were engaged in the various fights. At Neuve Chapelle, Lavantie and Givenchy, they helped in the British offensive against the Germans. The Indian troops suffered a lot and only during that period 4047 Indians were recorded in the British casualty sheet. This tragedy and sacrifice of these soldiers is well related in a film “Farewell My Indian Soldier“of an Indian filmmaker and novelist based in Paris, Vijay Singh. The soldiers wrote about their experiences in around 600 letters when they were in hospitals, records of which are maintained in the Haryana Academy of Art and Culture. “Soldiers used to send one rupee from their monthly salary to the academy, which went towards education of students,” says the filmmaker.

As World War I was coming to its end, the Indian soldiers participated in the procession of the Bastille Day on July 14, 1916 in Paris.
On October 07, 1927, The Memorial of Neuve Chapelle was inaugurated in the presence of Marshal Ferdinand Foch to honor the memory of Indian soldiers who died in France during World War I. On a wall, 4847 names of the soldiers are engraved, in alphabetical order and by combat unit. In the center of the memorial, one can read “In honor of the Indian Army who fought in France and Belgium, 1914-1918, and to perpetuate the memory of the soldiers whose names are engraved here.”
On April 11, 2015, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was the first and only Indian Prime Minister to have travelled to the memorial of Neuve-Chapelle to pay tribute to the 10 000 brave Indian soldiers who died during the First World War and who never returned back to their home. “I am honoured to pay homage to the Indian soldiers here at the Indian Memorial at Neuve Chappelle. Our soldiers who fought in foreign lands in the Great War, have won the admiration of the world for dedication, loyalty, courage and sacrifice. I salute them. ” said PM Modi.

The Ambassador of India, his Excellency Mohan Kwatra and the sous-prefet paying tribute to Chunki Soren, an Indian soldier of the 34th Division who died on 10 September 1917. Many of the Indian soldiers who fell 100 years ago in the WWI remain missing. Every time, one of their bodies is found on the French soil, then a ceremony is organized to pay military tribute to him.

On the November 12, 2017, members of the Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) France under the leadership of Mr Taniga Samarassame attended a wreath laying ceremony at Neuve Chapelle and to pay homage to 2 Indian Soldiers whose bodies were found after 100 years. The soldiers belonged to the Garhwal Rifles regiment of the Himalayan region. This regiment lost nearly 700 soldiers during World War I.

World War I (1914-1918) ended at 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918 with the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany. It established the reputation of Indian soldiers for their bravery, courage and sacrifice.

Ragini Arasen is Indian Diaspora Council Coordinator, France and contributing editor IDC Journal Newsletter.

Rita Abraham’s Christmas Party at Angela Dube’s Orphanage in South Africa

by

Rita Abraham’s Christmas Party at Angela Dube’s Orphanage in South Africa

Rita Abraham, a tireless social warrior and champion of the indigent, on 17 December 2017, hosted orphans at Angela Dube’s House as part of her festive season campaign to bring cheer to the poverty stricken communities in and around Durban, South Africa. It was a Christmas Party for HIV and AIDS orphans, including reading the Christmas story, Christmas Carols, gifts for all the children, lunch, treats and food for the holiday season. The children lit up when Ms. Abraham arrived with gifts, food and clothes in what turned out to be a major celebration in a house overwhelmed with love and care.

Angela Dube, who was once a homeless person and who lived in the streets of a township north of the city of Durban, started caring for orphans whose parents had fallen to the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa. Ms, Abraham who was then the president of the South African Women’s Forte which she founded almost two decades ago, learned of Angela Dube’s plight and made it a personal endeavor by rallying help develop, furnish and create a home.

“It was at a time when much needed to be done among various communities in Durban. I came across Angela Dube and felt that she needed all the help she could get. The Forte membership joined me in my efforts over the last 4 years and now over the last two years I continued to make a contribution to what has now become known as Angela’s House – it is a beacon home for many children. I will do whatever is necessary and will continue to keep a brief and hopefully, the children will have a comfortable future. Angela Dube needs all the help she can get and I urge people to support this wonderful and courageous woman,” said Ms. Abraham.

Rita Abraham is Chair of Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum (a division of Indian Diaspora Council Int’l).
To participate in Angela Dube’s 2018 program, contact: Rita Abraham at email ID: [email protected]

Rita Abraham Appointed Chair of Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum (IDWF)

by

Rita Abraham Appointed Chair of Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum (IDWF)

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) is pleased to announce that Rita Abraham of Durban, South Africa, has been appointed Chair of Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum (IDWF), a division of Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC). The appointment is for a term of three (3) years.

IDC Statement: “The appointment is on the basis of Rita Abraham’s prominent position as a pioneer and globally recognized Indian community leader, and in particular in South Africa with its multi-ethnic community, an ardent advocate of Indian Diaspora engagement, addressing the Indian Diaspora’s interests and concerns, and chair of GOPIO’s Women’s Council, as well founding president of South Africa’s Women’s Forte. We firmly believe that Rita Abraham is uniquely qualified to be Chair, Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum, recognizing her expertise and contributions, her interest and commitment, as well as many years of advocacy for women’s rights and issues of gender equality. We are confident that Rita Abraham will bring an enhanced agenda to the Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum and very successful tenure as an outstanding leader”.

Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum (IDWF)
(A Division of Indian Diaspora Council International)

Objectives of IDWF:
To recognize and address needs and interests of women of the Indian Diaspora, including gender, cultural and empowerment issues which are becoming more visible as the population of women of the Indian Diaspora continues to grow with changing demographics, mobility and migration; To actively engage in collaborative forums for dialogue and exchanges among women of the Indian Diaspora to embrace, engage and enhance their interests and participation all segments of society; To encourage collaboration with women of the Indian Diaspora and other groups, associations and institutions to foster better understanding, cooperation and community service at local, regional and global levels; To establish partnerships with local, regional and international agencies and institutions engaged in promoting the interests of women; To document and promote the history, progress and achievements of women of the Indian Diaspora with articles, publications, works of art, documentaries and films; To convene at least one (1) national or international conference or forum with a specific theme addressing needs and interests of women of the Indian Diaspora. International venues to rotated among the countries of the Indian Diaspora; To recognize women of the Indian Diaspora who have contributed to progress of women of Indian Diaspora and have notable achievements in their respective professions or community service. All awards given the Indian Diaspora Women’s Forum (IDWF) shall be in accordance with IDC’s criteria and policies.