Photo: (front L to R) Dr. Neil Besner, VP Academic and International, UWinnipeg; Hardev Sandhu, President India Assoc, of Manitoba; Dr, Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg sign MOU; (back) Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger; Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean Business and Economics, UWinnipeg.
WINNIPEG, MB –The University of Winnipeg and the India Association of Manitoba today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a stronger collaborative relationship through creation of the India Centre for Academic, Business and Community Excellence.
The partnership will include initiatives such as student exchanges, joint workshops, co-hosting eminent personalities from India on topics of mutual interest, forums such as “Let’s Talk India” and creation of a joint website. The primary goal of the India Centre is to serve as an ongoing resource for those interested in India-Manitoba opportunities from the educational, corporate and social sectors.
“The University of Winnipeg has established strong ties with Manitoba’s thriving Indo community through a number of joint activities,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Today’s MOU allows us to build on that foundation in a co-ordinated and collaborative way through the new India Centre, which will become a hub for ideas, people and potential.”
Hardev Sandhu, President of India Association of Manitoba, remarked that the India Centre for Academic, Business and Community Excellence is a culmination of collaborative initiatives since 2011 that has led to strong relationship and understanding with the University of Winnipeg. “It is our hope that India Centre for Academic, Business and Community Excellence will prove to be a formidable vehicle by which the Indo-Canadian community can continue to contribute to the rich fabric of our city and province.”
“Manitoba’s deep connections to India provide a wealth of opportunities for families and businesses,” said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger. “I commend The University of Winnipeg for taking the initiative to establish the India Centre, which will allow us to further leverage our special relationship for mutual benefit.”
“The Faculty of Business & Economics at the University of Winnipeg and the Professional Education Department at PACE have strong ties to the India community through research, education and events,” said Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean of the Faculty of Business And Economics. ”We are very pleased to be part of this initiative which will allow us to further explore opportunities in education, business, research, and open the door to shared cultural and social events. We have created an inaugural board to plan our agenda with members from the India community, private sector, Indigenous community, and the university. The India Centre will also work with organizations in Manitoba, at the federal level, and in India on various initiatives.”
Axworthy noted UWinnipeg has been forging a strong relationship with the India Association of Manitoba for a number of years including initiatives such as sponsorship of the Folklorama India Pavilion.
Find out more about the new India Centre .
Established in 1965, the India Association of Manitoba is the longest serving organization as a hub where exchange and sharing can take place for the benefit of members of the larger Indo-Canadian community of Manitoba.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
