iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The High Commission of India in Ottawa hosted an outreach event early Tuesday, February 11, to promote a variety of significant initiatives and programs that highlight India’s cultural, economic, and developmental progress.
Among the featured initiatives were the One District One Product (ODOP), World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, Mahakumbh 2025, Kashi Tamil Sangam (KTS), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship programs, and India’s economy and Union Budget 2025-26.
At the event, Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik discussed how these Government of India initiatives reflect the strengthening economic and cultural ties between India and Canada. He encouraged attendees to engage with and participate in these programs as a way to deepen bilateral connections.
The outreach event highlighted India’s growing status as a global soft power and the transformative progress made over the last decade through groundbreaking initiatives. Naik also emphasized India’s strides in regional development and global cultural influence.
One of the key programs discussed was the ODOP initiative, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote balanced regional development. The initiative focuses on selecting, branding, and promoting one product from each of India’s districts. In 2023, ODOP exhibitions were held in Vancouver to boost exports of these district-specific products.
In December 2024, Prime Minister Modi launched WAVES, positioning it as a crucial step toward establishing India as a global content creation hub. The event also celebrated India’s cultural heritage, with the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj serving as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, attended by Indians from around the globe, including Canada. Additionally, the Kashi Tamil Sangam 3.0, which strengthens the cultural bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, will take place in Varanasi from February 15 to 24.
On the economic front, the Indian Union Budget 2025-26 was lauded for prioritizing growth in innovation, exports, and global trade, further solidifying India’s position in international manufacturing and commerce.
Despite ongoing tensions between the Canadian government, led by Justin Trudeau, and India, including criticism of India’s policies, the outreach event aimed to promote better people-to-people relations and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage and economic achievements. The High Commission of India in Ottawa plays a pivotal role in fostering stronger political and economic ties between the two nations, as well as promoting cultural exchanges and initiatives to enhance bilateral relations.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/HCI_Ottawa)
