Brampton (Canada)/ Ahmedabad:

‘Friends of Gujarat’ (FOG), a not-for-profit organization of Gujaratis in Canada, has announced that it was preparing to hold a Mayors Conference in Canada this year in September. It will also organise first edition of ‘Vibrant Ontario Summit” in Ontario next year, on the lines of the Vibrant Gujarat summit.

Akhil Shah, President, of Brampton headquartered Friends of Gujarat, Canada, who was in Ahmedabad on a short tour, said, “These initiatives are is part of our FOG’s five-year master plan to support, unite and empower the effervescent Gujarati community in Canada and Gujarat. For the Mayors conference, we will invite Mayors from all major cities of Gujarat and other states to meet with the Mayors of Ontario for knowledge sharing and exchange ideas on key tenets of smart cities. Discussions will be facilitated on subjects like water harvesting and rejuvenating old water reservoirs. A sister city proposal is expected to be made between the cities to share the best practices.

“The “Vibrant Ontario Summit”, which will be organised in association with Stellar Initiatives worldwide next year in September, will be aimed at helping Indian businesses connect with Ontario’s mainstream industries and encourage two-way investments. An invitation will be sent out tothe Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, as well as to other Members of the Parliament, Members of the Provincial Parliament etc. government officials” informed Akhil Shah.

FoG Canada is also going to launch the ‘Youth Leadership and Scholarship program’ this year at its annual ‘Gujarat Day Celebration’ to be held in Brampton on May 1, 2018.

Friends of Gujarat, Canada also announced its plan to set up a ‘Gujarati Youth Manch’ as a platform to protect the interests of Indian students in Canada against fraud, ragging and exploitation by employers. The Manch will conduct educational and leadership programs and establish a support system to help prepare Indian students to overcome challenges overseas and integrate better with mainstream Canada.

Friends of Gujarat, Canada are working with key individuals to take a dive into the Canadian political arena as a voice for the non-resident Gujarati’s. Work is on to unite all the small and big Indian organizations across Canada and work under an umbrella organization.

“Work is in progress to set up the Brampton Gujarat Bhavan. This is being done with assistance from Brampton Councillor Martin Medeiros. The Bhavan will provide senior citizens a place to unite during the winter months and savour Gujarati Literature,” added Shah.

“Friends of Gujarat” (FoG Canada) is a vision of Akhil N. Shah (Brampton) and Hemant M Shah (Winnipeg) for Canadian Gujarati’s. It is a not-for-profit organization to and is geared to create the voice of Gujarati’s in Canada and develop future leaders. FoG is all set to announce Youth Network Program. Under this program hidden talents among Gujarati youths in Canada will be nurtured. They will be made aware of Gujarati culture and helped to make a mark in the political and social arena.

DeshGujarat