India Canada Culture and Heritage Association (ICCHA) Inc. was established in 2004 as a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization with unique aims and objectives concerning human rights and education. Our mission is to promote racial, religious, cultural harmony and equal rights for all in Canada. We celebrate the history of settlement of people of Indian origin in Canada and their contributions to Canada.
ICCHA has established a lifetime achievement award presented yearly. This highest honour is bestowed upon individuals, who have made outstanding achievements in their field of expertise and/or profession over years of leadership as well as dedication to the welfare of society.
The first such award in 2004, was presented to Her Excellency Shashi Tripathi, then the High Commissioner of India to Canada who was also instrumental along with Dr. Naranjan Dhalla, in bringing the statue of Mahatma Gandhi to Canadian Museum for Human Rights. In fact, ICCHA raised $125,000 for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
ICCHA has also established annual Distinguished Service Awards to 2-4 individuals who have provided highly valuable and meritorious services in the area of their profession and/or expertise for the welfare of society. Nominations for these senior awards are to be received by Dr. Dhalla by May 12th. The advertisement is in the Indo Canadian Telegram as well as our Facebook page.
Since inception ICCHA has been engaged in promoting quality education in the province of Manitoba. We have been encouraging students by recognizing their excellent academic performance. In this regard, ICCHA has also established 8-10 annual awards/scholarships to high school and university students for academic excellence to students of Indian origin. These student awards also consider volunteer and community work undertaken by the candidates. Most recently ICCHA has established an additional 2 awards for students for athletic/sporting excellence.
Application deadline for student awards is August 15th and can be submitted to our Secretary, Dr. Tappia. The advertisement is also in the Indo Canadian Telegram as well as our Facebook page.
We have also established a Mentorship Program for High School and University students under the direction of Drs. Meenu Sharma and Pram Tappia. This program is designed to provide mentoring to students who seek guidance and information on possible career choices. This program is being planned for either late this year or early in 2024.
