India-Canada Alumni Network (ICAN) has been officially launched in New Delhi by a group of Indian graduates of Canadian universities. The launch took place on the the margins of the visit by a high level education delegation of 15 Canadian university presidents, in Delhi with the aim of strengthening academic collaboration with Indian institutions. During their visit, the presidents announced $4 million worth of fellowships and scholarships for Indian students to study or conduct research in Canada.
Amit Tacker, a Carleton University alumnus, said, "ICAN will be a great platform to engage alumni from all Canadian institutes in India, socially as well as professionally". He added that besides networking, ICAN aims at building bridges, strengthening understanding and developing people-to-people linkages between the two countries. ICAN members will also help promote Canada as a destination for higher education by sharing their Canadian experiences with Indian students.
Simon Cridland, Counsellor, Canadian High Commission, said, that alumni are key to India Canada relations - they act as ambassadors promoting mutual interests for both countries. He added that the launch of the alumni network (ICAN) is symbolic of growing India-Canada linkages.
At the event, ICAN also announced the launch of its website www.ican.net.in.
