Newsletter for Indo-Canadian Study Centre
Message from Vice-Chancellor
Canada – A Partner Country
India’s first Prime Minister visited Canada on Oct 22-26, 1949
and on Dec 22-23, 1956. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru had excellent
relations with Mr. Louis St. Laurent , Mr. John Diefenbaker and Mr. Volume—I
Date—1st June 2013
Lester B. Pearson, the Prime Ministers of Canada during 1948 -57,
57-63 and 63-68 respectively.
At the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summits of 2011 and
2013, Canada was a Partner country. In 2011, a large delegation of
In this issue :
Canadians from various fields had come to Gujarat. Since there were
many persons from Higher Education in the delegation, GTU invited Topic
Page No.
the Canadian delegation so that they could meet GTU’s Deans and
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The Beginning
Principals.
5
Joining hands with
Earlier the undersigned had met the President of University World Class University
of Alberta (UoA) on November 11, 2010 in Mumbai. Thereafter from
17th June to 30th July 2011, 34 GTU
students led by a Faculty Academic Excellence
member visited UoA for a summer camp at its School of
Business
Away from India but not
Studies. Mr Paul
Miller of GeoGlobal Resources, Calgary had from Indian culture
underwritten all the expenses incurred by the School of Business
Studies for the Summer Camp. The
students had a wonderful Photo Gallery
experience at UoA.
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8
Canada Delegates
at GTU
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9
1
After the students returned back, Dr. Edy Wong, International Director, Center for
International Business Studies, School of Business, UoA visited GTU on 28th July 2011.
On 29th July, he delivered a talk on ‘MBA Education – a comparative perspective from a
Canadian’1 at CKSV Institute of Management, Vadodara. On 21 st October 2011, GTU was
able to have Prof Ed Wong on a second visit, coordinated by Professor Bhavin Pandya.
During the visit, the undersigned asked Dr. Wong about the feasibility of sending UoA’ s
students to GTU for a semester, wherein they could study Gandhian Ethics, Asian
Businesses etc. Dr Wong said he could send some under graduate students to India, since
students of UoA’a Post-graduate programme did not visit other countries. Dr. Wong also
said that UOA students might visit I.I.Sc. Bangalore and GTU to study some industries in
India. Prof. Bhavin Pandya agreed to coordinate the activity on behalf of GTU while Dr.
Wong said he will discuss the issues with Dean of School of Business and revert with
further progress.
On 1st December 2011, Professor Joan White, the Associate Dean at the School
of Business, UoA
visited GTU. On Thursday, 26th April 2012, at Delhi, Professor Ed
Wong discussed with the undersigned about the possibility of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between GTU UoA.
On 11th October 2012, an MoU between UoA and GTU was signed during the visit
of Dr. Indira Samarasekera, President & Vice Chancellor of UoA. An Indo-Canadian
Study Center was also inaugurated on the same day by Dr. Samarasekera, in the
presence of many businessmen and industrialists from Indo—Canadian enterprises of
Gujarat and Mr Jagat Shah, Chairman Indo Canadian Business Chamber and Mr. Vishal
Acharya.
Dr. Kalpdrum Passi, Department of Mathematics & Computer Science of
Laurentian University (LU), Canada worked with the GTU team to facilitate the visit of
111 GTU students and two faculty members for a Summer Study Camp during 2012. Dr.
Ramesh Subramanian, Director of the Bharati School of Engineering at LU and Dr. Vasu
Apanna, Dean – Faculty of Science and Engineering, visited GTU on Feb 18-19, 2013 for
discussions with the Deans at GTU. Dr. Passi visited GTU on 11 th December 2012 and
on 18th May 2013 for facilitating the visit of GTU students to LU in 2013.
In addition to all these exchanges, some of the doctoral students at GTU are being
Co-Supervised by some distinguished Professors from Canada.
As a part of GTU’s Global MBA program, during the academic year 2012-13, 105
students studied and prepared Reports on Canada as a part of the curriculum on Country
Studies. When on 6th February 2013, Mr. Greg Selinger, the Premier of Manitoba, a
province of Canada, visited
Gujarat, members of his delegation were very pleased to
inter-act with the students at GTU.
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His team members Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, Mr. Terry Duguid, Ms. Janice Y. Lederman, Ms.
Cheryl Prokopanko5 visited GTU on both 6th and on 7th for discussions about
collaborations between GTU and the Higher Educational and research institutions in
Manitoba. 1
The Indo-Canadian Study Center of the GTU’s School of Global Studies is a result
of the exchanges, described above. Now the Center should work to intensify and catalyze
collaborations between GTU and Canada. GTU’s School of Global Business Studies has
been established recently. As we build our activities and our research work, it may be
useful to look at a snapshot of activities of a similar Centre at another University:
Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada has been publishing excellent research work
on India. Besides during 2011, the Canada-India Center at Carleton University has done
the following
activities:
 Organization of a roundtable discussion on the growth of India with Canadian Business
Leaders; Mr. Anand Sharma, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry was present.
 Hosting of delegations from Gujarat, India’s nuclear power and geospatial
commissions.
 Visits of Dr. Sukhadeo Thorat, the then Chairman of UGC and Dr. Rajagopala
Chidambaram,
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
 Signing partnership agreements with nearly a dozen Indian Universities.
 Establishing formal relationships with Indian businesses and organizations like Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research.
In collaboration with Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, DFAIT3, AUCC4 and the
Government of India, holding a Canada-India Innovation Summit with ISTP Canada2 (June
20-22 2011) with Mr Sam Pitroda and many other distinguished persons from India and a
Canada-India Education Summit (June 17-18 2011), with about 20 Vice-Chancellors from
Indian Universities.
GTU is a large University. When its 11,265 students of MBA and about 750 faculty
members devote themselves to studies and research, the world will start looking at the
example of GTU’s work and its Global MBA program will start attracting excellent students and scholars from across the globe. As the School of Global Studies builds up its
research, it will be able to host and inter-act with scholars, business leaders and policymakers from the governments of Canada and the whole of the world.
Dr. Akshai Aggarwal
Saturday, 1st June 2013
References
1
A report of the program is available at http://www.cksvim.edu.in/images/stories/docs/talk_dr_edy_wong.pdf. The photo-gallery is available at http://
cksvim.edu.in/images/stories/docs/guest_lecture_dr_edy_wong.pdf.
2
International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTPCanada)
3
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
4
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
5
Dr. Digvir S. Jayas V.P. (Research & International) Univ of Manitoba; Mr. Terry Duguid, Director, Northern Sustainable Prosperity Initiative; Ms. Janice Y.
Lederman, Manitoba Innovation Council; Ms. Cheryl Prokopanko, Director, Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy
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Beginning of Indo-Canadian Study Centre
Gujarat Technological University has always been keen on associations with
the foreign universities which can benefit the students and give them a chance to
experiencing global education. Honorable Vice Chancellor of GTU Dr. Akshai
Aggarwal has not only worked with the reputed universities of India but also has rich
experience of working in foreign university. Dr. Aggarwal was working as the
Director at the School of Computer Science, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada,
before he joined GTU as its first Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Aggarwal was presented with
many awards including the Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to
University Teaching in 2006 . Dr. Aggawral encourages the students and faculties of
GTU to experience the education systems & environment of foreign universities as
GTU is aiming to be a World Class University. GTU has signed MOU with many of the
universities of
several countries like Germany, Canada, for student and faculty
exchange program and joint research projects. Going beyond the universities, GTU
has also initiated research and projects with foreign companies to encourage the
international tie-ups to provide Industry Interphase to students & faculties with MNC.
GTU recently signed MOU to establish Centre for Excellence with Bosch Rexroth
which is a German company engaged in drive & control engineering.
GTU has taken several initiatives of establishing Global Connect under the
“School of Global Business Studies” like the beginning of Indo-German Study Centre,
Global Country Study Report for MBA program, International Experience Program and
many more. GTU has been involved with some of the Canadian Universities during
2011 & 2012. Dr. Indira Samarsekera, President & ViceChancellor of University of Alberta, Canada & Dr. Akshai
Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of GTU
inaugurated the Indo-Canadian
Study Centre on 11th October 2012
at GTU Gandhinagar Campus as a
part of “School of Global Business
Studies”. Mr. Jagat Shah, Chairman
of Indo-Canadian Business
Chamber of Gujarat and many CEOs
of Indo-Canadian Companies
Dr. Akshai Aggarwal & Dr. Indira Samarsekera on attended the event. The beginning
of Indo-Canadian Study Centre at
the day of Centre Inauguration
GTU was a step forward in
strengthening the relationship
between Canadian Universities and GTU.
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4
Joining hands with World Class University
GTU was in conversation with University of Alberta science October 2011.
Initially the 1 + 1 MBA program
was in conversation between two
universities. Dr. Edy Wong,
Associate Dean—School of
Business UOA visited GTU to
discuss the
proposal with Dr.
Aggarwal. On the progress of the
conversation Dr. Joan White,
A ssociate d e an of MB A
Programs, School of Business,
UOA came at GTU on 1st
December 2011. Hon. Vice
Chancellor of GTU Dr. Akshai
Dr. Aggarwal with Dr. Indira Samarasekera
Aggarwal proposed deliberations
and asked for student exchange
and Ph.D. supervision by faculties of UOA with GTU. After both the meetings and
conversation between the delegates of UOA and GTU the overall deliberation was
proposed instead of 1+1 MBA program.
After a year long conversation GTU
and UOA signed MOU on 11th October
2012 at GTU Gandhinagar Campus.
Dr. Indira Samarasekera, President and
The University of Alberta is public research
Vice Chancellor , University of Alberta,
university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It
Canada was at GTU to sign the MOU was founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron
between two Universities. The objectives Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta, and Henry
of the MOU are Mobility of faculty and Marshall Tory, its first president. Its enabling
staff,
Graduate
and
Undergraduate legislation is the Post-secondary Learning Act.
The University of Alberta has been recognized by
students, Joint research activities and
the Academic Ranking of World Universities,
publications, Participation in seminars and the QS World University Rankings and the Times
academic meetings, Exchange of academic Higher Education World University Rankings as one
materials and other information and joint of the top five universities in Canada and one of the
supervision of GTU PhD Students. top 100 universities worldwide. It has graduated
more than 240,000 alumni, including Governor
Association with the University Of Alberta
General Roland Michener, Prime Minister Joe
which has world level recognition is a big Clark, Chief Justice of Canada Beverley McLachlin,
opportunity for the students and faculties Premier of Alberta Peter Lougheed and Nobel
laureate Richard E. Taylor.
of GTU.
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Students of GTU got an exposure to the cultural diversity
and academic excellence at University of Alberta.
GTU had organized a Summer Camp Program at University of Alberta, Canada
for the students of MBA Program. 35 students were selected on the performance
bases on Gujarat level and were given the chance to fly to the University of Alberta,
Canada for the Summer Camp Program. The Summer Camp was scheduled on 6th
June to 16th July 2011.
University of Alberta had
invited couple of guest speakers
from the industry and government
of Alberta. Angela Karwal from the
H R d e par tm e nt of A u d itor
General of Alberta’s office in
Edmonton shared the government
recruitment process with the
students. Another guest speaker
Mr. Barry Davis, Vice President of
Leger Marketing explained the
major trends in social media
marketing and the approach of
customer in Canada. Dr. Edy Wong Associate Dean of International Business and Dr.
Dev Jennings delivered the lectures to the students with the practical orientation.
Students visited the HR department of Alberta Government and learned about the
working environment in the office.
The Summer Camp was like a visit to the right place at the right time to enjoy.
The students got a chance to evidence the celebration of Canada Day on the 1st July.
Students found Summer Parade, fireworks and concerts very exiting on the occasion.
Students also enjoyed watching the live Base Ball match and the ply ‘Twelfth Night
and You Will’ in Shakespeare Festival. Students also had a trip to Capital EX,
Edmonton’s summer carnival where students enjoyed music, dancing, food, carnival
rides and carnival games. Visit to Heritage Days festival offered a great exposure to
the crafts, culture, dance and food of around 75 countries on one place.
Prof. Bhavin Pandya of S.V.Institute of management, leaded the group of
students. He said that the program was phenomenally successful and the students of
GTU got an exposure of cultural diversity and academic excellence at University of
Alberta.
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GTU Students were away from the motherland—India
but not from Indian culture and traditions
Laurentian University, Canada signed the MOU with Gujarat Technological
University on 6th June 2011 for the faculty and student exchange programme. Soon after
the signing of MoU total 111 students from Pharmacy, Computer Science and
Engineering/IT and various institutes visited the Laurentian University under the GTU
International Experience Program. The program was held from 15th June to 29th July
2012. Two of the GTU faculties Dr. Anita Mehta , Principal of L.M.Pharmacy, Ahmedabad
and Prof. Nirbhay Chaubey, OSD, GTU also went to LU with the group of student.
Statement of GTU Students
Students of Computer Science/Engineering
We the Students of GTU
attended the lectures on Web Data Management and
are very much obliged with the
Wireless Communication and Mobile Programming by
efforts of Dr. Akshai Aggarwal,
Dr. Kalpdrum Passi of LU and Dr. Khalid Mahmud of
Honourable Vice Chancellor of
Sheridan College, Torronto, Canada. Wherein students
our parent university for giving
of pharmacy attended the lectures on Pharmacology III
us
t his
u ni qu e
lifetime
from VII semester and Pharmaceutical Chemistry X by
opportunity to participate in
Dr. Abdel Omri and Dr. Gerardo Ulibarri of LU.
Global Experience Program at
Pharmacy students also attended lab learned from
Laurentian University.
various demonstrations by professors of LU. Students
also appeared in the midterm/internal examination and
final external examination on 27th & 28th July 2012 at LU.
Students of GTU also enjoyed various activities along with the studies. Students
had a great time at the LU campus enjoying the gymnasium, indoor games, hygienic and
healthy food and fine residential facility. Students did not missed a chance of playing
Cricket on the green fields of Canada when the Northern Ontario Cricket Council helped
them in organizing a Cricket Match. Students explored Canada by visiting Ramsey Lake
at Sudbury and Niagara Falls. GTU students were away from the mother land—India but
not from Indian culture and traditions as they
visited the Swaminarayan Temple of Toronto and
performed Garba in LU Alumni Hall. Students also
Laurentian
University
,
which
was enjoyed the culture of Canada when they visited
incorporated on March 28, 1960, is a the Canada Day Celebration.
mid-sized bilingual university in Greater
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.While primarily
focusing on undergraduate programming,
Laurentian also features the east campus of
Canada's newest medical school - the
Looking at the success of the first
international experience program with LU in 2012
GTU have decided the send the next batch of
Northern Ontario School of Medicine, which
opened in 2005. Its school of Graduate
around 96 students to LU on 10th June to 20th July
2013. An International experience will definitely
Studies offers a growing number of graduate
be a very important achievement of their career.
level degree.
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Picture Gallery of GTU Students in Canada
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8
CANADIAN EXPERTS @ GTU
Dr. Indira Samarasekera
President & Vice-Chancellor
University of Alberta
Date of Visit : 11th Oct. 2012
Event : Inauguration of IndoCanadian Study Centre & Signing
of MoU between GTU & UoA
Mr. Stewart G. Beck
High Commissioner of Canada
At New Delhi
Date of Visit : 11th Jan. 2011
Event :Interactive Meet on Canadian
Trade & Investment Potential
Dr. Joan White
Associate dean - MBA Programs,
School of Business, UOA
Date of Visit : 1st Dec. 2011
Event: Meeting for the collaboration between GTU & UoA
Dr. Edy Wong
Associate Dean
School of Business UOA
Date of Visit : 28th July. 2011 &
21st Oct. 2011
Event : Lecture at SKSV Institute
& meeting for the collaboration
Mr. Jean Paul
between GTU & UoA
Board Member
GeoGlobal Resources Inc.
Date of Visit : 12th Aug. 2011
Mr. Paul Miller
Event :Celebration of Success
CEO
GeoGlobal Resources Inc.
Date of Visit : 12th Aug. 2011
Event : Celebration of Success
Dr. Douglas Goold
Director of National Conservation of
Asia and Sesior Editor of Think Tank
in Canada
Date of Visit : 11th Jan. 2011
Event : Interactive Meet on Canadian
Trade & Investment Potential
Ms. Stephanie Forsyth
President & CEO
Red River Collage, Canada
Date of Visit : 6th Feb. 2013
Event : Student Interaction
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Volume—I
Date—1st June 2013
AHMEDBAD
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Phone: 079-2630 0499, 079-2630 0599 Fax : 079-2630 1500
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Nr.Visat Three Roads, Visat - Gandhinagar Highway
Chandkheda, Ahmedabad – 382424 - Gujarat
Phone: 079-23267500 Fax : 079-2630 1500
Email : [email protected], [email protected]
Web : http://www.gtu.ac.in
Designing & Editing by :
Bhavita Shukla—Project Officer ( Media)
[email protected]
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