Diasporizing Punjab, Disorienting Bhangra
May 2010

The Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies - along with partners the Department of Asian Studies and the Centre for India and South Asia Research at the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver International Celebration of Bhangra - will be hosting a number of national and international scholars of the Punjabi diaspora in May 2010. Click here for full information.


Reading at UFV by Author M.G. Vassanji
November 20, 2009

Award winning author M.G. Vassanji visited the centre to read from The Assassin's Song, which was published in 2007 and has since been short-listed for the Giller Prize, the Governor General's Award, and the Roger Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Vassanji received the 2009 Governor General's award for non-fiction for his memoir: A Place Within: Rediscovering India.

Ceremony Held at CICS in Memory of 1984
November 3, 2009

The Centre for Indo Canadian Studies held a ceremony in remembrance of the Delhi riots that ocurred in 1984, which was a year of great tragedy for Sikhs around the world beginning with the early June 1984 attack on the holiest Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple of Amritsar.

Installation of Sikh Holy Texts: Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
October 21, 2009

UFV faculty, friends, and students participated in the installation ceremony of the translated, four-volume set of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the UFV library. These volumes were translated by Sardar Priam Singh Chahil over a majority of his life and donated kindly to UFV by Mr. Ivor Thompson of Toronto. The texts are a valuable resource to students, faculty, and community members alike. 

CICS Celebrates Diwali, a Festival of Lights
October 16, 2009

UFV's South Asian Peer Network (SAPNA) hosted Diwali at the Centre for Indo Candian Studies. It was a fun filled day that included events such as diya painting (clay candle holders), and mehndi (henna tattoos) as well as delicious Indian food. 

Visit by Consul General
September 24, 2009

The Consul general of India-Ashok Das-and his wife, Dr. Erika Das, visited the Centre to meet members of the Indo-Candian Community Council. The Council hosted a reception dinner at the CICS with new UFV President and vice-chancellor Dr. Mark Evered welcoming the Consul General to UFV. Mr. Das reciprocated by commending the UFV for undertaking its initiatives witht the Indian subcontinent and offered his support to the Centre.

Reminiscences of the Mysore Palace
An evening with Princess Urmilla Devi
Monday, September 28, 2009
7-8 pm

Please attend this fascinating visual journey through the splendor of the lives of Maharajas and Maharanis of India. A personal walk through the annals of the Wadiyar Dynasty of Mysore, India, intertwined with teh historical narrative are personal reminiscences, anecdotes, and a private collection of visuals of the family.

Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Building F (University House), room 125.

Speakers from Orissa Share Views
June 22, 2009

The CICS hosted an event organized by the South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy (SANSAD). The focus of the forum was on the large-scale acquisition of hundreds of thousands of hectares of agricultural land, either for building mega-projects or for setting up Special Economic Zones to serve the local and/or multinational big capital.

Symposium on "Fragmented Lives along the India-Pakistan Border: Some Observations"
June 4, 2009

The Centre for Indo Canadian Studies and the UFV Geography department hosted a presentation by a visiting scholar, Dr. Harpreet Kaur Mangat, on the topic of the India-Pakistan borderland. Dr. Harpreet Kaur Mangat, a lecturer with Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, India, presented her lecture titled: "Baptism by Fire, Survival by Grit: Life in the Borderbelt of Punjab."


Celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 23, 2009

Join us in recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
6 to 8 pm
Abby, Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies

Presenters are:
Michelle Sylliboy, a Mi’kmaq visual artist and poet, who will read from her work Stepping on Intellectual Sacred Grounds.

Rita Dhamoon, from UFV’s Philosophy and Politics department, who will speak about two dominant streams in anti-racism work.

Paul Orlowski, UFV’s Teacher Education program, who will talk about opposing racial discourses.

Light refreshments will be served.
This event is sponsored by the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies.

Ehsaas: South Asian Film Festival
March 9, 16, and 23, 2009

Films will be screened starting at 7 pm at University House (F110 - UFV’s Abbotsford campus 33844 King Rd). Admission is free and is open to the public, donations welcome.


South Asian writers to gather at UFV
February 24, 2009

Due to the immense success of a similar event last year, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies (CICS) and the UFV English department will once again host an evening with South Asian writers of the Fraser Valley.  The celebration will start at 6 pm, and will showcase five writers: Ashok Mathur, Tariq Malik, Anjali Banerjee, Phinder Dulai, and UFV's new writer-in-residence, Jaspreet Singh, who will also host the event. 

Each author wiil read for 10-20 minutes, and questions and discussion will follow. Some of these writers' books will be on display and sale, and refreshments will be provided.

The public is welcome at this event. It will be held on Tues, Feb 24, from 6 to 8:30 pm at UFV’s Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies in University House (F125) on the Abbotsford campus.

Access is off McKenzie Road. Pay parking is in effect at UFV.

Tues. Feb 24
6-8:30pm
Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies [F125]


UFV hosts Interfaith Dialogue
January 26, 2009

We all have a role to play in creating a peaceful and harmonious world, no matter what our faith or belief system happens to be. Learn more about how people of different faiths view the world and our place in it at an interfaith dialogue, hosted by the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley on Monday, January 26.

This free public event and discussion will include brief presentations by Harold Rosen (Baha'i faith), David Giesbrecht (Christian faith), Gurmit Singh Tiwana (Sikh faith), Kosum Soni and Oscar Khalideen (Hindu faith), David Mivasair (Jewish faith), and Raheel Raza (Islamic faith).

Plan to attend on January 26 from 7-9 p.m. at the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, Building F, Room 125 at UFV’s Abbotsford campus. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Satwinder Bains at 604-854-4547.

UFV marks anniversary of ‘Continuous Journey’ — Canada’s blockage of  South Asian immigrants
November 21, 2008

UFV is hosting its own event at 10 a.m. Friday, November 21st, at the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, at University House (Building F) on the Abbotsford campus. Bains will moderate the debate while UFV instructors and staff will discuss the Continuous Journey legislation and Canada’s current immigration laws and policies. Speakers include political science instructor Dr. Rita Dhamoon, speakers from the Geography department Dr. John Belec and Cherie Enns, and UFV’s director of Institutional Research Dr. Zareen Naqvi.

The event is open to the public.

For information about the India-Canada Studies certificate program, or Friday’s debate to commemorate a Century of South Asian presence in Canada, please contact Satwinder Bains at 604-854-4547 or email satwinder.bains@ufv.ca.


Dr. Panja on "Shakespeare in Bollywood Today" and "Shakespeare on the Indian Stage"
November 17 & 18, 2008

Shormishtha Panja, Professor of English, University of Delhi, will deliver two public lectures with the sponsorship of the UFV English and Theatre departments, the Faculty of Arts, UFV International, and the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies.

Monday, Nov 17, 6:30 p.m. in Abbotsford, room B101
"Shakespeare in Bollywood Today"
This talk will have film clips from Bhardwaj's movies.

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2 p.m. in Chilliwack, Theatre
"Shakespeare on the Indian Stage"

India Study Tour Photo Exhibit
UFV's first study tour visited Majestic India in February 2008. Images from this memorable trip are on will be on display outside of the library in early September.

Diwali Festival of Lights
October 23, 2008
 
The Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV is co-sponsoring the event with Mission Community Services Society.  The event is being held on Thursday, October 23rd at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue in Mission.  For more information please contact Satwinder Bains at 604-854-4547.

Udaari Pioneer Exhibition - BC 150 Event
October 24, 2008

An exhibit displaying Sikh history in British Columbia over the past 150 years will be on display at the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies on Friday, October 24th, 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm. 8 pioneers who lead the way for others will be recognized for the hardships they faced. To RSVP please contact Satwinder Bains at 604-854-4547
http://www.bc150.ca/bc150.aspx?page=feature_indo-canadian_exhibition
View the exhibit panels (PDF) Section 1  Section 2  Section 3
View slideshow of opening of exhibition


Comedy Night
October 27, 2008

South Asian Peer Networking Association (SAPNA) with support from Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies (CICS) present Comedy Night with Sunee Dhaliwal and Ivan Decker at Casey's, Monday 27th October. Doors open at 7pm and show begins at 8pm. All proceeds will be going to the Abbotsford Food Bank. SAPNA is a group of students interested in promoting South Asian Culture at UFV. For more information about Comedy Night or getting involved with SAPNA, please contact Raji @ 778 997 5115 or Bal @778 549 2824, email: sapna.ufv@gmail.com.

Kiran Ahluwalia in concert
July 25, 2008

Ghazal and Punjabi folk song singer Kiran Ahluwalia dazzled a mesmerized audience in concert on July 25th at the Abbotsford campus.

Celebrated author Anita Rau Badami visits UFV
March 31, 2008

Anita Rau Badami will be at two events at UFV on Mon, March 31, including a reading, book signing and reception.
Click here for details.

Consultation Report Abbotsford Youth Forum
A group of community youth called Speak Out, in collaboration with the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, hosted a youth forum at UFV on March 10, 2007.  They wanted to provide the students of Abbotsford high schools with a venue for dialogue and discussion. This forum was facilitated by various leaders from the local community. The aim of these discussions was to extract ideas from students and create recommendations which could be passed onto community organizations and government agencies. Eighteen students, 10 facilitators, 16 interveners spent a day together to discuss issues and concerns facing Indo-Canadian youth in the Canadian mosaic with a concerted goal to make recommendations that can be acted upon.
Please click here to read the full Consultation Report.


Children and the City Conference
February 2008
Chandigarh, India

Study Tour to India
February 2008

UFV helps Panjab University celebrate diamond jubilee
Panjab University, located in Chandigarh, Punjab State, India, recently marked its 60th anniversary and UFV’s vice-president external Robert Buchan journeyed there to participate in a number of events to celebrate the university’s diamond jubilee.
Read news release
View photo gallery

CICS hosting career fairs
The Centre of Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV is planning two career fairs in January 2008 focusing on Indo-Canadian students and their parents. A number of UFV departments, along with UFV faculty and staff, UFV alumni and UFV Career Services will be on hand to answer your questions.  This is a free event and everybody is invited.

Sunday, January 13th, 2008 6pm-9pm
Khalsa Diwan Society
33094 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford

Monday, January 14th, 2008 6pm-9pm
Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar
30640 Blueridge Drive
Abbotsford

For more information please contact satwinder.bains@ufv.ca or call 604-854-4547.


Writer in Residence Event - South Asian Writers
November 16, 2007

The Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley is pleased to host along with Richard Van Camp who is UFV’s writer-in-residence for Fall 2007, a South Asian Writers Festival.  Van Camp is a proud member of the Dogrib (Tlicho) Nation form the Northwest Territories, is a poet, novelist, short-story writer, storyteller, and teacher. 

Kuldip Gill, Summer Pervez, Tariq Malik and Sonnet L’Abbe will be reading select passages and giving context to their readings, answering questions, participating in a dialogue and discussion. 

Light snacks and beverages will be provided to this free event.  For more information and people planning to attend are asked to RSVP to satwinder.bains@ufv.ca or call 604-854-4547.

Friday, November 16, 2007
Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV
University House, Building F
7 - 8:30 pm


UFV to host Afghan member of parliament and women’s rights activist Malalai Joya
November 2, 2007

Malalai Joya, a member of parliament in Afghanistan and outspoken critic of those who abuse power and human rights in her country, will visit UFV next week as part of her BC speaking tour.

She will speak at UFV in the lecture theatre, room B101 on the Abbotsford campus, Friday, Nov 2, from 2:30 to 4 pm.

“This will be a truly thought-provoking and humanist talk focused on raising awareness about the role of women in Afghanistan,” says Satwinder Bains, director of the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies.

This a free event with donations gladly accepted for Joya’s group: Organization of Promoting Afghan Women’s Capabilities. People planning to attend are asked to rsvp to: satwinder.bains@ufv.ca or 604-854-4547

Joya’s topic will be The Women's Rights Catastrophe in Afghanistan: Prospects for Change

Fri, Nov 2
Lecture theatre, B101
Abbotsford campus
2:30–4 pm


Student Advisory Committee for the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV
October 27, 2007

The CICS is looking to form a Student Advisory Committee to discuss and provide input about the current courses offered, the development of future courses, activities at the Centre and programs and events that focus on youth. 12 students from a variety of disciplines will form this advisory committee and one student advisor will be selected to sit on the community advisory committee for the CICS.  The student advisory committee will also provide input on future workshops, take a leadership role in student-focused forums, events and activities and take part in student led initiatives. 

Please attend the first meeting of the Student Advisory Committee on Thursday, October 25th from 1-3 pm at the Centre.  Click here to view Student Advisory Committee poster.  For additional information drop by the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies – University House F Building.  Contact Satwinder Bains, Director, Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV, 604-854-4547 or via email at satwinder.bains@ufv.ca


National Historic Site of Canada – Abbotsford Sikh Temple Visit
Tuesday, September 25 11 am - 12:30 pm
Wednesday, September 26 1-2:30 pm
Thursday, September 27 2:30-4 pm


Asia Month
May 2007


International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21, 2007
4:30pm


Official opening, Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV
View photos from October 28, 2006:
Official opening
Evening celebration