2015 Events

TORONTO: Panorama India, which is an independent umbrella organization of various cutural and social bodies of Indo-Canadians, has announced some brand-new initiatives to enlarge its imprint in the New Year, according to its chief Anu Srivastava.

Recognition of Ind0-Canadian organizations and their leaders at the major Panorama India events is one such initiative in the New Year.

Srivastava says she and her fellow board members “intend to lead Panorama India to the next level and work with dedication and sincerity in meeting its objectives,’’ in the New Year..

Giving out details of various past and future activities at the just concluded annual general meeting, she said Panorama India would keep up its critical role in furthering Indo-Canada relations by showcasing the Indian diaspora’s diversity and achievements in Canada by organizing various events.

Among the major events organized by Panorama India are the Indian Independence Day parade, the Republic Day celebrations and Diwali celebrations at Queen’s Park.

Looking at the accomplishments of the premier Indian organization in the year gone by, Anu Srivastava, who took over as Panorama India chairperson eight months ago, said, “As we look back upon 2014 it certainly has been a year of challenges, changes, transition and yet some of our biggest achievements too.

“Republic Day celebrations was on February 2nd and Panorama Idol was very successful with record number of participants. I would like to highlight that we were fortunate to honour the great accomplishments and PBD Award of our prominent community leader and philanthropist Vasu Chanchalani, sadly, he is no longer with us.’’

She said that in spite of the challenging transition eight months ago Panorama India organized India Day on August 2 at Mel Lastman Square. “This was perhaps the most successful India Day which had an all-inclusive appeal with the maximum number of community representation, dignitary gathering and vendor stalls.’’

About Diwali celebrations at Queen’s Park with the Premier on Oct 8, she thanked India’s “most ardent supporter Premier Kathleen Wynne… for playing an integral role in shaping Ontario’s racial and cultural diversity.’’

Speaking about the New Year, she announced that Panorama India is introducing “a brand new initiative to host and celebrate the recognitions of the community organizations and their leaders. This will be held for the first time on February 1, 2015, at India Republic Day.’’

HSBC is likely to Panorama India’s lead sponsor for India Republic Day celebrations. The bank will sponsor the community reception and recognition of one community organization for its services.

“Further Panorama India has re-initiated sponsorship discussions with ICICI Bank and State Bank of India which had been put on hold for almost 2 years. And we continue to work with CIBC for their ongoing support,’’ Anu Srivastva said.