DATELINE DESI

A CHAMPION OF EQUITY

Dr Chandrakant Shah was among 15 eminent women and men who received honorary degrees from the University of Toronto this year.

The Grant’s Desi Acheiver was recognised for his outstanding service for the public good, as a pioneering leader in public health education in Canada, a tireless advocate for Indigenous peoples and a champion of equity and inclusion. He is a practising physician and a professor emeritus at U of T’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Other luminaries recognised include Raptors president Masai Ujiri and Indigo Books and Music CEO Heather Reisman.

TCF BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF SANITary napkins

Toronto Calcutta Foundation (TCF) launched the much-awaited distribution of menstrual pads in Kolkata, India, in January.

Board member Dr Teesta Soman made a presentation in Uddipan, Hotar and Uttaran and handed out pads and comic books on the subject to young girls and women. Close to 140 girls and women will benefit from this program each month with the plan to increase the numbers in coming months. Tapan and Panna Mazumder and Shanti and Chitra Ghosh from Toronto were also present during these seminars.

TCF depends on the generous support and encouragement of the community and sponsors to conduct its many programs in India and Canada.

More info on their programs at www.Toronto-Calcutta.org.