TOPIC: TBA
Our Speaker:
H.E. Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada
Synopsis of Lecture:
TBA
About India Canada Friendship Circle
India Canada Friendship Circle (ICFC), a non-profit Canadian organization, operating in Ottawa since 2004 and conducting lectures by prominent speakers, encourages dialogue on India and Canada in a non-religious, non-partisan, and harmonious environment. The words "friendship" and "circle" in its name, convey an explicit desire to forge and maintain close ties among Canadians with an interest in India.
ICFC's mission is to promote learning and an intercultural relationship between India and Canada in the areas of philosophy, history, literature, economy, diplomacy, the arts and sciences through prominent speakers.
ICFC Events Roster
(since inception in 2004)
NOTE: Select the year tab and click the event date to open the event page
2026
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2026
November 22, 2026 |
2024
May 26, 2024 |
2023
| June 8, 2023 Speakers: H.E. High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and Mr. Christian DesRoches Topic: “Canada’s and India’s Strategic Interests in the Indo-Pacific” [Event Poster] [Video] |
2022
June 15, 2022 February 23, 2022 |
2021
| October 6, 2021 Speakers: Mr. Anshuman Gaur, Mr. Richard Provencher, Dr. Courtney Szto and Dr. Steven Desjardins Topic: Sport as a Cultural Unifier [Event Poster] [Video] | ||
| June 23, 2021 Speakers: Dr. Stephen Inglis and Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum Topic: “Working Together” to mark the special occasion of the National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21, 2021 [Event Poster] [Video] | ||
| May 26, 2021 Speakers: Mala Khanna and Richard Sharpe Topic: Personal Experiences of Diversity in a Multicultural Canada (by Mala Khanna) and Does Systemic Racism exist in Canadian Society? Viewing Diversity and Inclusion through a Public Service Lens (by Richard Sharpe) [Event Poster] [Video] | ||
| May 2, 2021 Speakers: H. E. Ajay Bisaria and Mr. Robin Higham Topic: Panel Presentation on Innovative Ways of Looking at Diversity and Inclusion in Canada, India, and Globally [Event Poster] [Video] | ||
2020
There were no events in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions on assembly.
2019
| December 01, 2019 Speaker: Gillian Frost Topic: Canada – India Bilateral Relations [Event Poster] | ||
| November 10, 2019 Speaker: Rama Vaidyanathan Topic: Understanding Indian Thought Through Dance [Event Poster] | ||
| October 30, 2019 Speaker: Elizabeth Dubois, Ph.D. Topic: The Digital Ecosystem and Canada’s Election [Event Poster] | ||
| September 29, 2019 Speaker: The Hon. David Kilgour, J.D. Topic: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights [Event Poster] [Transcript] | ||
| May 26, 2019 Speaker: Anjali Patil Topic: How is Indian Tradition Surviving in the 21st Century? [Event Poster] |
2018
| November 25, 2018 Speaker: Dr. R. Raj Singh Topic: Gandhi, Non-violence and Our Times [Event Poster] [Photos] | ||
| October 21, 2018 Speaker: Dr. Gopika Solanki Topic: Balancing Multiculturalism and Gender Equality: Muslim Women’s Rights and the Debate over the Uniform Civil Code in India [Event Poster] | ||
| September 09, 2018 Speaker: Dr. Arshiya Sethi Topic: Dance and Music in the Vaishnava Monasteries of 16th century Assam [Event Poster] | ||
| May 27, 2018 Speaker: Prakash Diar Topic: Common Purpose and the Human Spirit [Event Poster] | ||
| April 29, 2018 Speaker: Dr. Mira Johri Topic: Engaging Rural Communities to improve Child Health in India [Event Poster] |
2017
| November 26, 2017 Speaker: H.E. Vikas Swarup Topic: Creative Mechanics [Event Poster] | ||
| October 1, 2017 Speaker: Ms. Reba Som Topic: Tagore’s Concept of Beauty [Event Poster] | ||
| September 17, 2017 Speaker: His Worship Jim Watson Topic: Growing Ottawa through International Partnerships – Connecting with India [Event Poster] [Video] | ||
| May 7, 2017 Speaker: Mr. Scott Slessor Topic: The Journey of a Canadian Diplomat through Northern India [Event Poster] | ||
| April 9, 2017 Speaker: Mr. Nazim Ahmed Topic: The Emergence of Technology and Mass Customization [Event Poster] |
2016
| Apr 17, 2016 Speaker: Dr. Radha Jetty Topic: Northern Exposure [Event Poster] | ||
| May 29, 2016 Speaker: Mr. Harry Sharma Topic: Canada India Centre of Excellence: Science, Technology and Innovation Partnerships [Event Poster] | ||
| Sept 25, 2016 Speaker: Mr. Chandra Arya, M.P. Topic: Fostering Closer Canadian and Indian Parliamentary Relations [Event Poster] [Photos] | ||
| Oct 16, 2016 Speaker: Dr. Geeti Sen Topic: Art and Indian Nationalism in the 20th Century [Event Poster][Photos] | ||
| Dec 4, 2016 Speaker: Dr. Richard French Topic: India’s Struggle with the Market [Event Poster] [Photos] |
2015
| Mar 29, 2015 Speakers: Jayshree Thakar, Bryan Macdonald & Alexis Ashworth Topic: Habitat for Humanity programs [Event Poster] [Habitat for Humanity Canada Brochure] | ||
| April 19, 2015 Speaker: Atul Aggarwal Topic: Pharmaceutical Industry in India [Event Poster] | ||
| May 31, 2015 Speaker: Dr. Chandrima Chakraborty and Dr. José Sánchez Topic: Bollywood: in the West and amongst the Indian Diaspora [Event Poster] | ||
| Aug 8, 2015 Panel Discussion Panelists: Ann Witteveen & Dr. Noel Salmond [Moderator: Dr. Nanduri Rao] Topic: Building a Global Community – Prospects & Problems: Nepal – A Case Study [Event Poster] | ||
| Sept 27, 2015 Speaker: Mr. Vishnu Prakash, High Commissioner for India in Canada Topic: Reflections on Prime Minister Narender Modi’s April 2015 Visit to Canada [Event Poster] | ||
| Oct 18, 2015 Book Reading by the Author: Dr. Harsh Dehejia [supported by Kamlesh & Aruna Gupta] Book: “Parul: A Love Story” [Event Poster] |
2014
| Nov 16, 2014 Speaker: Dr. Pradeep Merchant, Chief of Neonatology, The Ottawa Hospital Topic: Opportunities and Challenges in Maternal Newborn Care in Canada and India [Article in Ottawa Star] | ||
| Sept 21, 2014 Speaker: Suneet Singh Tuli, President and CEO, Datawind Ltd Topic: Solving India’s Education Puzzle [Photos] | ||
| June 8, 2014 Speaker: Joe Thottungal, Chef & Restaurateur (a.k.a Mr. Coconut Lagoon) Topic: Tantalizing & Tasty: the Cuisine of Kerala — God’s Own Country [Photos] | ||
| April 27, 2014 Speaker: Pavithra Muddaya, Indian Handloom Designer Topic: Sarees Tell a Story… of Women’s Personal Economic Empowerment [Article in Ottawa Star] | ||
| Mar 9, 2014 Speaker: Reena Kukreja, Filmmaker Topic: Tied in a Knot: Narratives from Bride Seeking Regions of India.[Photos] |
2013
| Dec 1, 2013 Speaker: Chandrakanth Arya, Chief Financial Officer, D-Ta Group of Companies, Ottawa. Topic: Entrepreneurship in India, Canada, and GCC Countries | ||
| Sept 22, 2013 Speaker: Prof Rao Nanduri from Hyderabad, India. Topic: A value system for individual happiness and evolution | ||
| June 2, 2013 Speaker: Andreé Pouliot, Creative Director and Chief Designer of Soma Blockprints, Jaipur, India. Topic: Stories of India: Treasured Artisans and their textile legacy. | ||
| April 11, 2013 Speaker: Mr. Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan, Journalist Topic: How you can make Canada an even better country | ||
| March 3, 2013 Speaker: Admiral (retd.) Nirmal Verma, High Commissioner of India in Canada Topic: Canada and India — A Bright Future |
2012
| Dec 2, 2012 Speaker: Mr. Kartik Sameer Madiraju, Environmental Activist & M.Sc. student at McGill University Topic: India & Canada – Shared Environmental History & Challenges | ||
| Oct 14, 2012 Speaker: Senator Asha Seth Topic: How We Matter | ||
| Sept 16, 2012 Speaker: Dr. Nipa Banerjee, Visiting Professor, University of Ottawa Topic: Afganistan – Role of International Community With The Focus on India and Canada | ||
| June 24, 2012 Speaker: Mr. Robert Fox, Executive Director, Oxfam Canada Topic: India’s Role in Ending Global Poverty | ||
| May 6, 2012 Speaker: Dr. Sundar Arora, Psychiatrist, and Asstt, Professor of Psychiatry at University of Ottawa, an Interfaith Minister and Yoga Teacher Topic: The Art of Effortless Meditation |
2011
| Nov 20, 2011 Speaker: Dr. Lata Pada, Founder, Director & Principal Teacher, Sampradaya Dance Centre, Toronto Topic: In the Further Soil (Reflections on Vitality and Achievements of Indian Diaspora in Canada) | ||
| Sept 18, 2011 Speaker: Ms. Jamine Ackert, Yoga Teacher, The Capital Yoga, Ottawa Topic: How Yoga Works — and why it might make you healthier and happier! | ||
| July 24, 2011 Speaker: Dr. Veena Rawat, Past president, Communications Research Centre Canada, Ottawa Topic: Telecommunications Growth in India and Partnerships with Canada | ||
| June 19, 2011 Speaker: Dr. David Malone, President, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa Topic: Does the Elephant Dance? Contemporary Indian Foreign Policy | ||
| April 3, 2011 Speaker: Dr. Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President, Carleton University, Ottawa Topic: Carleton University’s Canada-India Centre for Excellence |
2010
| Nov 7, 2010 Speaker: Dr. Stephen Inglis, Executive Director, CREE Cultural Institute, Montreal Topic: Maharaja: The Arts of India’s Royal Courts | ||
| Sept 12, 2010 Speaker: Mrs. Madhu Verma, Chair, Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick Topic: Honoring the History and Contributions of Asian Canadians | ||
| July 25, 2010 Speaker: Mr. Niraj Bhargava, Chairman and CEO, Energate Inc. Topic: Smart Energy Around the World — Will India Leap Ahead? | ||
| June 6, 2010 Speakers: 1. Mrs. Nandita Bhatnagar 2. Dr. Jharna Chatterjee Topic: Rabindranath Tagore: The Voice of All Mankind: 1. Rabindranath Tagore — the Pioneering Spirit and a Contemporary Thinker 2. Rabindranath Tagore — on “Love and Separation” | ||
| April 18, 2010 Speaker: Dr. David Van Praagh, Journalist, Author and Professor Topic: India: New Challenges in the 21st Century |
2009
| Nov 8, 2009 Panelists: 1. Dr. Hemant Gupta, Director, Consulting Ayurveda Physician & Teacher 2. Dr. Sunder Arora, Psychiatrist, Interfaith Minister & Yoga Teacher Moderator: Dr. Indu Gambhir, Physician Topic: Panel discussion on “Integrative Medicine” with focus on Ayurvedic Medicine, Mind and Body Connection and Natural Medicine | ||
| Sept 13, 2009 Speakers: 1. Dr. Indu Gambhir, Physician 2. Ms. Barbara Sibbald, Journalist Topic: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF – Doctors Without Borders) | ||
| July 26, 2009 Speakers: University of Ottawa students: 1. Mr. Neel Chadha 2. Ms. Nootan Kumar 3. Mr. Roshan Abraham Topic: Making a Difference for Villages in India — Story of S.A.V.E. (Students Aiding Village Empowerment) Program | ||
| June 14, 2009 Speaker: Mr. Moyez Vassanji, An award winning author and recipient of Order of Canada Topic: A Place Within: Rediscovering India | ||
| April 26, 2009 Speaker: Mr. S. M. Gavai, High Commissioner for India in Canada Topic: The Evolution of India — Myths and Realities [Videos] |
2008
| Nov 2, 2008 Speaker: Dr. David M. Malone, President, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa Topic: India and Canada: A Study in Contrasts? | ||
| Sept 21, 2008 Speaker: Padma Sri Dr. Joseph Hulse, Scientist Topic: Alleviation of Rural Child Malnutrition in South India [Slides] [Padma Shri Award] [Article in India Abroad] [Videos] | ||
| July 27, 2008 Panelists: 1. Mr. Roman Mukerjee 2. Dr. Rajkumari Shanker Moderator: Dr. Sunder Arora, Psychiatriast, Interfaith Minister & Yoga Teacher Topic: Inter-cultural Marriage: Challenges and Solution [Transcript] | ||
| June 8, 2008 Speaker: Dr. Peter Pandimakil, Associate Professor of Mission Studies & Interreligious Dialogue, St. Paul University, Ottawa Topic: The Life and Work of Pannikar [Videos] | ||
| March 30, 2008 Speaker: Mr. R. L. Narayan, High Commissioner for India in Canada Topic: India: The Largest Democracy in the World [Videos] |
2007
| Nov 4, 2007 Speaker: Mr. Eric Dickson, Water & Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Topic: When the Poor Have a Voice — Resettling Slum Dwellers in Mumbai [Videos] | ||
| Sept 9, 2007 Speaker: Mr. Sanjeev Chowdhury, Former Vice-Consul for Canada in Mumbai, India Topic: An Inside Look at Bollywood — India’s Film Industry [Videos] | ||
| July 29, 2007 Panelists: 1. Ms. Amina Mire, Professor of Sociology 2. Dr. Vanaja Dhruvarajan, Professor of Sociology & Women’s Studies 3. Dr. Radhika Sekar, Professor of Anthropology Topic: Panel discussion on “Challenges Women Face in a Globalizing World with a Focus on India” [Videos] | ||
| June 3, 2007 Speaker: Dr. Jagmohan Humar, Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, Carleton University Topic: From Himalaya to Bhuj: The Forces That Shape and Shake the Earth [Videos] | ||
| April 1, 2007 Speaker: Dr. Anne-Marie Gaston (Anjali), Indian Dance Exponent Topic: Dance Sculpture and Miniature Paintings [Videos] |
2006
| Oct 28, 2006 Speaker: Padma Sri Ms. Flora MacDonald, A former Member of Parliament of Canada, Federal Minister Topic: What Makes the State of Arunachal Pradesh Unique? [Videos] | ||
| Sept 24, 2006 Speaker: Mr. Brian H. Dickson, ex-Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to India Topic: Diplomatic notes: Perspectives on India [Videos] | ||
| June 25, 2006 Speaker: Dr. Subhash Jain, Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine at University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Topic: Know your U.V. Index — Practical Application in Our Daily Life [Videos] | ||
| April 23, 2006 Speaker: Mr. Rameswar Mukerjee, an Associate of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Topic: The Living Spirit of Neta Ji, Subhash Chandra Bose: A Personal Experience in the Azad Hind in Europe [Videos] |
2005
| Oct 2, 2005 Speaker: Dr. Harsha V. Dehejia, Physician and Adjunct Professor of Indian Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa Topic: Understanding the Romantic Krishna through sensuous images and sacred words [Audio Recording] | ||
| Aug 7, 2005 Speaker: Mrs. Shyamala B. Cowsik, High Commissioner of India in Canada Topic: India in the New Millennium | ||
| May 15, 2005 Speaker: Dr. Brian Gillingham, Director of the School for Studies in Art & Culture, Carleon University Topic: The Roots & Traaditions in Musics of Western Europe and India | ||
| March 6, 2005 Speaker: Dr. Stephen Inglis, Director-General of Research and Collections, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Ottawa Topic: Suitable for Framing: Popular Art in 20th Century India |
2004
| Aug 23, 2004 Speaker: Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, High Commissioner for India in Canada Topic: India: Current Perspective |