Happy Diwali
A special message from The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, Toronto Metropolitan University Honorary Doctorate 2018
Before becoming an Independent Senator of Canada, Senator Omidvar was a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University where she founded the Global Diversity Exchange, a think-and-do tank on diversity, migration and inclusion. Senator Omidvar is a member of the Order of Ontario and a Member of the Order in Canada. She became a lifelong member of the university community when she received an honorary doctorate of laws in 2018.
Diwali for Dr. Bala Venkatesh
Founding Academic Director, Centre for Urban Energy
What does this holiday mean to you?
It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It is a festival of lights.
What's your favourite Diwali food?
Indian sweets like ladoo (external link, opens in new window) , Jamun (external link, opens in new window) and many more.
What's your favourite Diwali tradition?
We light lamps and pray for good health and success for everyone.
Complete this sentence: Diwali would not be complete without ___________________.
Diwali would not be complete without lighting lamps.
What do you wish other cultures knew about this holiday?
The message: victory of good over evil and the message of hope.
What advice do you have for your former and current students who may be struggling at this time?
I wish everyone well. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Dr. Bala Venkatesh with family.