DATELINE DESI
PEEL COLLEGE HOLDS ITS FIRST CONVOCATION
In an impressive function at its campus in Mississauga, Peel College of Professional Studies held its first convocation ceremony on December 7. The convocation ceremony was a wonderful afternoon affair which included the presentation of diplomas followed by luncheon for all passing students, friends, family and faculty members. The convocation began with introduction of those present and warm welcome by Anuradha Yadav, Managing Director of Peel College. The graduates were proud of their achievement and success; and their family members were in full attendance to provide their support. The students could not hide their joy on achieving this milestone. A few of them reminisced about the time they started on their quest for this distinctive education.
The diplomas were handed over by the Peel College’s Board of Advisors – Dr Shashi Kant and Peter Di Santo. In their welcome address, Dr JP Yadav and Kundan Joshi, Peel College’s Board of Advisors spoke highly about the college and provided words of inspiration to graduating students. Faculty members were also felicitated for their useful contribution and role.
Chitra Potnis, President, and Anuradha Yadav thanked all staff and students for their tremendous role and support in achievement of success for the students.
Peel College of Professional Studies is a private career college approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and runs diploma programs and certificate programs for upgrading skills, boosting professional careers and professional development. Programs can vary in duration from a few weeks to several months and cover a wide spectrum of subjects. Peel College also designs and delivers custom programs as per student/employer requirements.
AN EVENING OF GIVING
At the annual gala dinner on November 9, community leaders and enthusiastic supporters of the Toronto Calcutta Foundation (TCF) gathered to celebrate 31 years of giving.
Shirsha Chakraborty sang the national anthem before TCF board member Shouvik Mazumdar’s opening remarks. Dr Teesta Basu Soman led the guests in an interactive presentation on the highlights of TCF’s work in the past year.
Cia DeJulio, Women’s Habitat board member, thanked TCF for their unstinting support over the years. Songs from Shirsha, dances by the Geetika Dance Company and tango and salsa performed by the Arthur Murray Dance Centers had people joining in enthusiastically. Vice president Chitra Ghosh thanked everyone for their contribution and participation in her closing remarks.
Over $50,000 was raised at the gala. One remarkable figure to think about: Of every dollar raised, 96 cents goes to run TCF’s programs in India and Canada.
In Kolkata, India, TCF runs educational, vocational and health programs and clinics.
A new class was recently inaugurated with an initial intake of ten girls and ten boys. Students from economically disadvantaged families will receive free snacks and lessons in English, Mathematics and Science. The plan is to expand this to prepare forty girls and forty boys for higher studies. At the existing coaching class, 80 students from grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 are prepared for enrolment in post-secondary studies. Many students from TCF’s first coaching centre are now pursuing courses in medical technology, optometry, hotel management, nursing, pharmacy, etc. There are even a few working on their PhD in IITs.
At the Ghutiari Sarif preschool, TCF serves free breakfast in addition to providing uniforms, school supplies, bags, sweaters and shoes to the students aged three to six.
Forty women receive vocational training at the two schools that TCF runs.
Between November 2018 and April 2019 TCF has funded 37 eye camps 300 km from Kolkata. A record-breaking 5100 patients received free eyeglasses, and many were referred to local hospitals for cataract treatment. Over 30,000 people have been served since inception.
Close to 1000 people benefit weekly from the six medical clinics TCF holds in and around Kolkata. Free medicine is also provided to patients. Close to 200,000 patients have received care at these clinics.
In Toronto, TCF continues to support Women’s Habitat to raise self-esteem and build confidence in young girls through their Girlz Space Leadership Camp.
It partnered with Social Planning Council of Peel for a no-cost professional development for immigrant youth program that ran between August and October 2019.
Over $33,000 was raised at the TCF Talent Show 2019 in July.
To donate, get involved or for more info, visit www.toronto-calcutta.org.
DOCUMENTARY MAKER NOMINATED FOR FORBES 30 UNDER 30
Shreya Patel, whose documentary Girl Up shone the light on the issue of human trafficking, has been nominated for Forbes 30 under 30 for the year 2020. The documentary was also featured in TIFF Bell Lightbox, celebrating up-and-coming directors in the Canadian film industry.
The actress, writer, director and mental health advocate has appeared in lead roles in numerous short films, improv theatre productions and most recently in Robert Misovic’s The Intersection, Netflix’s Grand Army and FX’s Mrs. America. She has appeared in Bell Canada’s national mental health awareness ad Bell Let’s Talk, raising visibility and breaking the silence around mental illness and support. Global Affairs Canada recognized her for her mental health work earlier this year.
Nominated for being a changemaker through being a storyteller and spreading awareness about human trafficking and mental health, Patel will be in Berlin from December 1 to 4 for the Under 30 Summit. The winners will be announced mid next year.