HIGH STAKES INDIA-CANADA POLITICAL TENSIONS COMPEL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES TO OFFER COUNSELLING TO INDIAN STUDENTS

 

Amid the Canada-India standoff, Canadian colleges and universities are offering counselling services and resources to Indian international students.

 

Vasan, a McMaster University student, says he believes that the dispute between Indian and Canada is just a political game and the majority of people won’t be affected by it.

 

“The Indian media covering this news has blown it up, and parents are worried, said Vasan, who requested NCM use only his first name to protect his family. “But I was not affected in Canada and everything is pretty normal. 

“I’m avoiding public gatherings and other events temporarily until things cool down. My university has been great and is offering mental health support if people need it and they’re backing the Indian students.”

On Sep. 20, India’s external affairs ministry issued an advisory warning nationals and travellers in Canada to “remain vigilant,” which has worried many families whose loved ones are here. 

On Sept. 21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his call to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “engage with Canada” over allegations that link its government to the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, prompting the Indian government to cancel processing of visa services in Canada.

McMaster’s support services, accessible through its website, lists a range of resources including guidance on travel to India, assistance programs for employees and their families; student wellness and counseling services.

“Nobody here cares about political leaders fighting,” said Karan Raj, a diploma student at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ont.

 “I don’t think anybody here in Canada cares about the issue, except for those who recently became Canadian citizens and have no Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. They will not be able to visit home, as visa services have stopped.” 

India allows foreign passport holders with OCI cards to travel without a visa.

Sheridan and Humber Colleges in Ontario too posted statements on their websites assuring staff and students they are monitoring the situation

“Humber will continue to communicate with you as the situation evolves and we commit to ensuring that you have accurate information as quickly as possible,” the Toronto college post says. 

“The Humber community supports the many students and employees at Humber with direct and indirect ties to India, and we will continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment and support students and employees who are impacted by this ongoing situation.

 This article was published in New Canadian Media  and is republished here under a creative commons license.