Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) Celebrates International Women's Day and Volunteer Appreciation Event

Toronto, ON - March 9, 2024 - On March 9th, 2024, the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce(CHCC) proudly hosted a joint celebraCon of InternaConal Women's Day and Volunteer AppreciaCon Event at a vibrant gathering in Toronto. The event, which aimed to honor the invaluable contribuCons of women and volunteers to the community, featured esteemed speakers, panel discussions, and hearPelt acknowledgments.

MCs Vishaka Pancholi, Prutha Chavda, Gauri Kawlay set the tone for the event, guiding attendees through an evening filled with inspiraCon and graCtude, and Director Vidya Verma behind the scenes with the planning. Vice-President Kushagr Sharma iniCated the proceedings with a soulful mantra chanCng, fostering a sense of unity and posiCvity among the audience. 

President Nareshkumar Chavda delivered an introductory speech, highlighCng the significance of InternaConal Women's Day and expressing appreciaCon for the dedicated volunteers who support CHCC throughout the year, making numerous events possible.

Partner organizaCon, the Canadian GujaraC Women's AssociaCon, was represented by President Chintan Bhavsar, who emphasized the importance of women empowerment, unity, and collaboraCon between organizaCons like CHCC and CGWA.

The event welcomed the disCnguished presence of the Federal Minister of Small Business, Honourable Minster Rechie Valdez, who commended the efforts of CHCC in organizing such a meaningful event and spoke passionately about the role of women in the workforce and business.

A panel discussion ensued, featuring eminent speakers including Devika Penekelapat, Laxmi Yadav, Mina Patel, Dr. Indira Khurana, and TrupC Vyas, who shared insights on bridging gender gaps in the workforce and empowering women to strive for excellence.

Councillor of Niagara, Mona Patel, addressed the audience, advocaCng for increased female representaCon in poliCcs and highlighCng the significance of embracing Hindu roots within the political sphere. MPP Deepak Anand echoed similar senCments, praising CHCC for its community iniCaCves and promising to advocate for their work in Parliament.

Mississauga Ward 7 Councillor, Dipika Damerla, shared her experiences as a woman in policics, emphasizing the importance of community support and announcing her intenCon to run for Mayor of Mississauga, amidst applause and encouragement from the audience.

The Volunteer AppreciaCon segment of the event featured a keynote address by respected community leader- Vaidehi Raut, Chairperson of Panorama India, who underscored the value of volunteerism in fostering community cohesion and encouraged aTendees to acCvely engage in community outreach efforts.

Rekha Vaishnav, represenCng MEHAR, a non-profit organizaCon dedicated to mental health awareness, shared valuable insights into the importance of mental well-being within the community.

The event concluded with the presentaCon of volunteer cerCficates by President Nareshkumar Chavda and Vaidehi Raut, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by General Secretary Maharshi Jani, expressing graCtude to all those who contributed to the success of the event.

CHCC extends its hearPelt appreciaCon to all parCcipants, dignitaries, volunteers, and aTendees for their unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of women and the community. 

For more informaCon about CHCC and upcoming events, please visit www.chcc.ca.