Canada India Foundation Global Indian of the Year Award presented to Sadhguru at gala
On May 23, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Canada India Foundation’s annual “CIF Global Indian of the Year Award Gala” 2025. It was held at Paramount EventSpace in Woodbridge, Ontario.
That’s me
This year, CIF honoured world-renowned Sadhguru, Indian yogi, mystic, visionary and founder of the Isha Foundation, a volunteer-run organization based in India that aims to bring physical, mental and spiritual well-being for everyone.
Award ceremony
Sadhguru delighted the audience with his humorous and witty insight into human consciousness, health and creating a conscious planet.
Sadhguru speaks on stage
In addition to the award, CIF also donated $50,000 to Sadhguru’s Cauvery Calling initiative, the world’s largest farmer-driven ecological movement. It aims to revitalize Cauvery River in India by supporting 5.2 million farmers to plant 2.42 billion trees through tree-based agriculture.
Dance performance, classical Indian called Kathak
About Canada India Foundation:
Canada India Foundation (CIF), founded in 2007, is a national, not-for-profit, nonpartisan, non-governmental organization established with fostering bilateral relations between Canada and India, as well as other related initiatives.
Every year, CIF awards a prominent Indian from anywhere in the world to recognize excellence and celebrate achievement in the global Indian diaspora. The award is presented to a recipient who has demonstrated global leadership, vision and professional excellence. Past award recipients include: Sudha Murty, founder and chairperson, Murty Trust; former Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper; and Deepak Chopra, author and world-renowned expert in mind-body medicine. (See the full list of recipients here.)
At CIF’s helm is Ritesh Malik, current Chair, and a serial entrepreneur and impact investor.
A heartfelt congratulations to Ritesh Malik, Sunita Vyas, Pawan Chankotra, Satish Thakkar (past-Chairperson) and everyone else involved; and thank you for the opportunity to attend.
Major gala sponsors: ICICI Bank, Turkish Airlines and Scotia Wealth Management.
Unlocking the secrets of Indian cuisine: flavour layers that make it so irresistible
Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and varies across the vast country’s many regions. It is this diversity that makes Indian cuisine unique, layered, complex — and absolutely delicious.
Me, tasting a variety of Indian dishes in Delhi on my first trip to India
I love Indian food and enjoy trying different dishes whenever I can, whether in India or at home in Canada. Indian food especially suits me because I am a vegetarian and there seems to be no shortage of dishes to try. Every time I am in India, I have eaten Indian food for all my meals, opting only once for an international dish.
I wanted to further explore this cuisine and what makes it so incredible. Here are some reasons Indian food is delicious and worth checking out:
1. Spices Galore: Indian food is probably most notable for its spices that give it intensity, layers, aroma – and heat. Not all dishes have heat, mind you, but they certainly are all flavourful. There are anywhere from 40-100 spices used across the regional dishes, but only 20-30 spices are common. Some of the spices used include: cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, mustard seeds and asafoetida (somewhat similar to garlic).
Spices and other ingredients are also often chosen for their Ayurvedic, or food as medicine, reasons, such as health benefits.
Curry dishes
2. Regional Diversity and Variety: India’s regional culinary variety is influenced primarily by geography, climate, local ingredients and religion (most Hindus do not eat beef, for instance). Each of India’s 28 states has its own culture and language. There are more than 5,000 Indian dishes and possibly up to 10,000 dishes, once you factor in all the regional variations — that is a lot of dishes to try.
North India is where you’ll find gravies and breads, such as naan, and dairy-centric dishes. South India is known for rice-based dishes, like Bisi Belle Bath (hot lentil rice), coconut flavours, and fermented foods, including dosa, a thin pancake made from fermented rice, and idli, a type of savoury rice cake. The east is known for fish and sweets like rasgulla (syrup filled ball). The western region, which includes the desert, is renowned for its spicy and tangy dishes, such as Rajasthani cuisine.
Me in Assam, northeast India, my first trip to the country
There are also a range of street foods and snacks such as chaat.
As well, in Indian culture, food is tied to festivals and celebrations, which adds to the diversity and variety.
Rajasthani cuisine (stuffed bell peppers), at Samode Haveli hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Assamese cuisine (northeast India) served on a thali
3. Vegetarian Fare: India has a significant vegetarian population, for reasons that are both cultural and religious, and offers wide-ranging options for vegetarians. There are several plant-based dishes that are flavourful and healthy. Chana Masala (chickpea curry cooked in tomato-based sauce) is one of my favourite vegetarian dishes and, as someone who rarely cooks, I have even made it myself.
4. Complex Cooking Methods: Indian cuisine often involves complex and/or time-consuming preparation methods such as marinating, slow-cooking (stews), tempering (tadka) and fermenting, which contribute to the complexity and deliciousness of the dishes. Some dishes are cooked for 6-8 hours or more, such as Kushka Biryani.
These are the primary reasons that make India cuisine so popular and incredibly delicious. I hope you will get out and try some of these amazing dishes.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, producer, author and travel journalist. She has travelled extensively across India, and enjoys learning about and sharing Indian culture.
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Jazz clubs in Delhi, India
Delhi, India’s largest city with a population of some 34 million, may be renowned for its ancient architecture and historical sites, such as the Red Fort, dazzling art and delicious food, it surprisingly also has something else to offer: a cool jazz scene.
Yes, jazz.
Musicians performing at The Piano Man Jazz Club
Delhi’s jazz scene is vibrant and growing. It features a mix of dedicated jazz clubs and venues that regularly host jazz performances.
On one of my visits to Delhi a few years ago, when I spoke at a global women’s conference, local friends of mine from Delhi-based Vasco Travel India took me to one of Delhi’s most renowned jazz clubs, The Piano Man.
It was a welcomed night out after spending the afternoon – in intense heat — visiting the architectural marvel, Lotus Temple, a Baháʼí House of Worship, followed by shopping at the famous Connaught Place.
Lotus Temple
In the evening, my friends and I enjoyed a glass of wine and a dinner (the food was terrific) while taking in a live jazz act. The group was fantastic, though I don’t recall their name. It was quite a treat. Though I have been to many jazz clubs, this was the first time to visit one in India and it certainly was one of the most memorable.
Me at the Piano Man Jazz Club
According to Jazz Near You, there are a few notable jazz venues in the Delhi area, including both the city of Delhi and the neighbouring satellite city of Gurgaon. And so, if you love jazz, and are planning a visit to Delhi, consider taking in some live jazz music.
The following are some of the most notable jazz venues in Delhi and area:
- The Piano Man Jazz Club: Located in Safdarjung Enclave, an affluent residential neighbourhood in South Delhi, it is Delhi’s most renowned jazz club, offering live performances, dining and cocktails. It has hosted more than 1,300 acts, including 350 international artists. There are also locations in Gurugram and the Eldeco Centre
- India International Centre (IIC): Situated on Max Mueller Marg, IIC is a cultural hub that occasionally features jazz concerts.
- Siri Fort Auditorium: A major venue in Delhi that hosts various cultural events, including jazz performances.
- Potbelly Rooftop Café: Located in Shahpur Jat, a vibrant urban village and shopping hub, this café hosts bi-monthly jazz nights curated by local jazz guitarist, Adil Manuel.
- Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy: Situated in Gurgaon, a Delhi satellite city, this venue is known for its dedicated jazz crowd and regular jazz nights.
Vikas Abbott, Vasco Travel, and his wife, Gitika at the Piano Man Jazz Club
These venues contribute to a growing jazz culture in Delhi, offering both traditional and contemporary jazz experiences. As the late great Louis Armstrong said, “What we play is life.”
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational broadcaster, producer, speaker, author of “Your Whispering Heart: An Inner Guide to Creativity” and travel writer. She is based in Toronto.
India Tour for Women: Varanasi Extension
Exciting announcement!
We have added an optional extension tour of Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, for our India trip for women this September 2024.
The dates for the main tour: September 16-27, 2024.
The date for the Varanasi tour (2 days/1 night): September 27-28, 2024.
Check out our full itinerary here: India women’s tour.
Dosa, a South Indian signature dish
DOSA: a thin, savoury pancake that is a signature South Indian dish.
Dosa à Pushkar (Rajasthan) by Ji-Elle Wikimedia
Dosas are made from a fermented batter of ground black lentils and rice.
Dosas are served hot, often with chutney and sambar, a stew made with lentils.
Though it is South Indian cuisine, the dish can be found across India.
I could eat this every day. 😀
Have you ever had a dosa?
India visas for Canadians resumes
UPDATE December 2, 2023: Tourist visas for Canadians travelling to India has now resumed.
Good news for Canadians planning to travel to India. The Indian government has resumed visa services for travel to the country. However, not all visa categories are available, such as tourist.
Following is copy from the news release issued yesterday by the High Commission of India in Ottawa:
October 25, 2023 – Ottawa, Canada
News Release
The High Commission of India in Ottawa, Canada and its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver were constrained to suspend visa services temporarily because of safety and security considerations.
After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services for the following categories with effect from October 26, 2023:
(a) Entry Visa
(b) Business Visa
(c) Medical Visa, and (d) Conference Visa
Emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the High Commission and the Consulates General as it is being done currently.
Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation.
As well, following are the links with information related to each of the categories for applicants:
Entry Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/visa-entry/
Business Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/business-visa/
Medical Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/medical-visa/
Conference Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/conference-visa/
Please note, however, what is not included is the tourist visa for Canadians to travel to India as tourists. I hope this resumes soon.
Opinion: Canada-India Crisis
A significant story broke this week regarding Canada’s relationship with India over the alleged assassination of a Canadian Sikh citizen by forces connected to the Indian government. Since I am planning a group trip for women to India next September 2024, I wanted to address it briefly.
At present, the relationship between nations has deteriorated with the Canadians downsizing the number of diplomats in India and India putting a freeze on tourist visas that are required for travel to the country. India has also advised against travel to Canada for the time-being.
While I am not an expert on the politics, I wanted to address this due to my upcoming trip for those who follow my blog and the trip details. I am aware of the situation and, while this is terribly unfortunate, I hope it will be resolved soon.
In the meantime, I will be watching to see how this event impacts travel for Canadians to India.
Lotus Temple, Delhi, India, Shannon Skinner
Love and wisdom,
Shannon
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Round-Up: Wellness Travel
The beginning of September for many in the northern hemisphere is synonymous with new beginnings in life, whether it is business, career, a relationship or lifestyle change. It is also the time many of us start planning trips for the following year. Since Covid, there has been a growing interest in wellness travel — focussing on one’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. From spas to pilgrimages to retreats, or just relaxing getaways, people are looking to travel as a great life transformer – or simply a means of self-care.
Hotel Des Bains is a luxury thermal spa and resort located in Saillon, Switzerland. Saillon is the most beautiful village in Switzerland. I was a guest and it was superb.
I have curated a round-up of few helpful articles on wellness travel — my “top 5” list — highlighting relevant wellness travel news and destination/tourism ideas to consider as you plan for 2024. They are gathered from a range of media sources, and all offer some fabulous inspiration to find your next spa, retreat, spiritual pilgrimage or a relaxing holiday to unwind, destress, or focus on self-development.
The Atmantan Wellness Resort is located near Mumbai, India, where I recently was a guest, also superb.
Top 5 List: Wellness Travel Articles for Destination Ideas and Inspiration
1. National Geographic
The rise of wellness travel, from rewilding to yoga and pilgrimages
2. Euronews
Wellness tourism is booming but what’s behind the trend?
3. Harper’s Bazaar
The great reset: the best wellness retreats in Europe
4. Vogue
The Best Spas in Europe that Mix Travel With Pure Relaxation
5. AFAR
What Your Wellness Vacation Will Look Like in 2023
A night shot at Hotel Des Bains in Saillon, Switzerland.
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Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV host/producer of ExtraodinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, public relations consultant and writer covering travel, wellness and wine.
Consider an India retreat to deepen your yoga practice
The luxury Atmantan Wellness Resort near Mumbai, which offers yoga sessions in its wellness packages.
The first time I took a yoga class, I was in my twenties and working in the high-octane field of public relations, and in need of a way to relax and calm my mind. At that time (before the Lululemon craze), yoga was not popular or cool as it is now. The class was held in a school gymnasium and it must have worked because I fell asleep, which was a miracle for a 20-something body that was operating on little sleep and gallons of caffeine.
Since, yoga has increased in popularity across the country, attracting people from all walks of life, and I continue to learn more about this ancient Indian tradition, which is much more than just poses.
The benefits of yoga are well-known, including increased flexibility, muscle strength, improved energy and vitality, weight management, cardio health, reduced stress, among others. Interestingly, a recent study shows that meditation and yoga practice are linked to reduced volume in the brain region that is tied to negative emotions. Probably the most important reason, it can help us love ourselves a little bit more.
And so, if you are looking to start and/or maintain a daily practice, or deepen your practice, or are a beginner, one of the best ways is to immerse yourself in study and practice. Or consider including it in a wellness retreat. The ideal place to learn is where it all began: India.
There are many yoga academies and ashrams across India, though a number of them rank higher than others. Some offer retreats and others are geared to teacher training (note: in Sanskrit, ashram means “a place where everything happens effortlessly”). I have visited many of them in Pune and Lonavala, Maharashtra.
Here are some of the most popular yoga institutions in India. The ones I have visited have photos included.
List of most popular yoga institutions in India
Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, considered to be the founder of modern yoga, this renowned institute attracts yoga students from around the world who are interest in training.
The outside of Iyengar Yoga Institute. Indoors photos were restricted or forbidden.
Iyengar
Founded in 1946 by the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, it is a unique example of the field of naturopathy, which brings people from across India and internationally for its holistic approach to healing, which includes daily yoga.
Yoga room at the Nisargaopchar Ashram
Lovely views at the Nisargaopchar Ashram during the monsoon
A research institution and yoga college that teaches the Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali, the pioneer who laid down the foundation for traditional yoga.
Kaivalyadhama Ashram
Kaivalyadhama Ashram enterance
Founded by legendary Swami Parthasarathy. Located 8 km from Lonavala and nestled in the hills of Malavli, the academy is set on a secluded, modern campus, providing an ideal atmosphere for peace, contemplation and reflection; and has a number of amenities.
The Vedanta Academy campus
The Vedanta Academy accommodations
One of India’s most popular ashrams, it was founded by renowned spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It is a volunteer-based organization that also undertakes various initiatives geared to uplifting and enhancing quality of life internationally.
Founded by Sadhguru, it was designed to create an inclusive culture for global harmony and progress, as well as a centre working on literacy and conservation. Its “inner transformation” programs for physical, mental and spiritual wellness have been recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESC).
Located in a 14th-century fort, the center integrates several approaches to personal development based on yogic teachings. Founded by Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the yoga ashram (Ganga Darshan Yogashram) follows modern-day “gurukul lifestyle,” and the school offers yogic teachings. The center also guides yoga projects and medical research in association with corporations and government.
Set in Mysore, the city of palaces and fountains, this institute was founded by Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois and offers yoga courses ranging from one month to six months, and intensive Ashtanga yoga classes year-round. Classes are also offered in Sanskrit.
The Yoga Institute in Goa is located on Chorâo Island, the largest of the 17 islands of Goa, along the Mandovi river. This paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers is less than a 30 minute drive from the state capital city of Panjim and a 15 minute ferry ride through scenic surroundings.
Although there are a plethora of places where you can learn and practice yoga in India, such as spas and wellness resorts like the luxury Atmantan Wellness Resort near Mumbai, as well as private retreats, these are certainly amongst the best to help you deepen your yoga practice.
Atmantan Wellness Resort lobby. It is not officially listed in this list because it is not a learning/teaching institution, though I stayed here and it offers fabulous wellness packages.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, author, radio host, speaker and writer covering travel, wellness and wine.
Lotus Temple: India’s finest modern architecture
The Lotus Temple is one of my favourite attractions in Delhi. It is incredibly beautiful architecture, probably the most interesting house of worship in the modern era anywhere, and one of the most visited places on earth.
I had the opportunity to visit the temple on one of my trips to Delhi. I recently was going through my photos and panicked because I could not find my photos of Lotus Temple. Yesterday, I found them and I was inspired to post them on social media and decided to write about it.
Here are some fun facts about the Lotus Temple:
Walking through the gardens along the red sandstone walkway to get to the Lotus Temple
FUN FACTS:
• The Lotus Temple is famous for its distinct flower shape. It was designed to reflect the beauty and symmetry of the lotus flower.
• The lotus flower is an important symbol in Eastern and Indian faiths, including Bahá’i, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Truly magnificent architecture
• Lotus Temple is a Bahá’i faith house of worship. Bahá’i is a religious movement originating in Iran in the 19th century that emphasizes the spiritual unity of humankind.
• The design represents the “Oneness of God, the Oneness of all Religions and the Oneness of Mankind,” which are the guiding tenets of Baha’i faith.
• It is a popular attraction in Delhi, with more than 3.5 million visitors per year.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Anyone can visit Lotus Temple. It is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Be mindful, though, of the rules. Be sure to wear conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, which is not uncommon for many places of worship around the world.
There are 9 reflecting pools of water, symbolizing the lotus leaves
• The building has 27 free-standing marble-clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. There are nine doors opening into a central hall with high ceilings. This is the space where people gather and music is played. There are 9 reflecting pools of water, symbolizing the lotus leaves.
• All around the temple are walkways made of red sandstone with beautiful curved balustrades, bridges and stairs that surround the nine reflecting pools.
• It won many architecture awards and is considered an incredible architectural achievement.
• The Lotus Temple has a Canada connection. The architect is Farinorz Sahba, an Iranian. Though he currently lives in the United States, he once lived in Canada prior to moving to the U.S.
• Like many places of worship around the world, visitors are required to take shoes off before entering.
Walking through the vast property to get to the temple. This is why I suggest taking a bottle of water with you.
TIPS:
• You will be given a bag to hold your shoes. Beware the ground is hot on bare feet. Since you must remove your shoes, take a pair of socks.
• Take a bottle of water with you. It can be very hot while walking around the gardens and waiting in line to get in.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV talkshow host and producer, speaker and writer covering luxury travel, wine and wellness for women.
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