High Commissioner for Canada in India, Mr Stewart Beck visited Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) on April 3, 2012. The visit was to understand the work of a policy think tank in Kerala and analyse the development patterns of a state

 considered to be a model in different sectors. Mr D. Dhanuraj, Chairman of CPPR gave insights on Kerala’s high standards in Human Development Index, Literacy levels, education and health. Further discussion on Kerala and India’s policies in attracting investment and human resources were held with the Commissioner highlighting the role of Research institutions in branding Kerala, with special emphasis on the oncoming ‘Emerging Kerala’ event. According to him “Kerala should market their glory’s to attract global investors and seek the help of policy think tanks to identify the key areas of development and opportunities, for which Research is important”. Mr Simon Cridland, Counsellor and Head- Advocacy Program, Government of Canada mentioned how India is a major resource partner for Canada, because of its vast population of people enrolled in various educational institutions in Canada. Currently, 50 percent of the Indo-Canadian community is from Punjab, 30 percent from Gujarat and the rest 20 percent from states like Kerala. With liberal migration policies, Canada is a favourite destination for Indians which provides good quality education and ease of living. As to the question raised by Dr Gopinath Panangad, Project Consultant, CPPR on the numerous advertisements by various educational consultants in Courses in Canada, Mr Simon responded that “There are few bad eggs in the same basket of good educational consultants, who take in money from applicants with a promise of assured VISA. No consultant can give complete assurance on VISA, which is left to the Consulate’s decision. The applicants shall take caution in blindly following such offers while applying for college admissions in Canada”. Challenges in infrastructure, skill development and availability of human and land resources in Kerala were also discussed during the meeting.

CPPR presented a souvenir to the Commissioner who was also accompanied by Mr D.P Vittal, Trade Commissioner, Government of Canada. D. Dhanuraj, Chairman; Prof K.C Abraham, Advisor;  Prof Antony Dawson, Mr Aneish P Rajan, IRS along with Team members Adv Jithin Paul Varghese, Mr Madhu.S, Ms Renjini Rajagopal, Mr Jiyad K.M and Mr Raju T Mathews took part in the meeting. 

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