Indo-Canadian Youth Council

11/08/2025

PRESS RELEASE: Based on wide ranging requests from several applicants for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, it has been decided to introduce a new fee payment mechanism through Debit Card, which will facilitate and simplify the payment procedure.

Now, applicants for OCI card and related services shall have the following options of fee payment at BLS Centres–

A) In-person applicants:
i) Debit Card
ii) Demand draft/money order in favour of ‘BLS International Services Canada Inc.’ It shall be a single demand draft/money order for an amount including OCI fee, consular fee and service charges of BLS.
iii) Cash

B) Postal applications:
Demand Draft/Money Order only in favor of ‘BLS International Services Canada Inc.’. The amount should include OCI fee, consular fee, BLS Service charges and charges of any optional service, if availed by applicant.

The above new arrangement of OCI fee payment shall come into effect from Monday, 10th November 2025 and replace the current mode of payment i.e. demand draft/money order in favour of Consulate.

10/26/2025

We are proud to share that the Province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed November as Hindu Heritage Month in BC recently!

It was already proclaimed by Canada in 2022 at federal level, Now it has been proclaimed by BC at the provintial level also.

The initiative aims to celebrate the contributions of the Hindu community to Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric, as well as to raise awareness of Hindu history, arts, and philosophy.

Visit our website https://www.ativancouver.ca and find events celebrating Hindu Heritage Month 2025 in the Metro Vancouver region.

10/24/2025

10/22/2025

Dear , which traditional folk theatre form of Kashmir is renowned for its spontaneous humour, symbolic storytelling, and vibrant blend of acting, music, and dance?

10/22/2025

The City of Toronto has officially proclaimed October 20, 2025 as “Diwali Day” in Toronto. This recognition celebrates the spirit of Diwali of victory of light over darkness, and acknowledges the immense contribution of the Indian community to Toronto’s cultural and social fabric.

Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

10/17/2025

Dear , where do the traditional Nirmal Arts and Crafts originate from?

10/16/2025

Foreign Nationals, PIOs, and OCI cardholders are invited to participate in ICCR’s Global Indian Classical Music & Dance Competition – Pratibha Sangam 2025!

Submit your entries by 31 October 2025.

Register here: https://iccr.gov.in/psc/

More details as below:

India in USA (Embassy of India, Washington DC)
Indian Council For Cultural Relations
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

10/16/2025

An exciting opportunity awaits! Applications are now open for the 83rd edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), a flagship initiative of the Government of India, scheduled from 10–28 November, 2025. This programme offers youth of Indian origin aged 21–35 (NRIs not eligible) a unique chance to reconnect with their roots through an immersive journey across India’s rich culture, heritage, and contemporary development.

For application details and submission, visit: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/alert_detail/?alertid=338

10/15/2025

10/14/2025

During her visit to India, Minister Anand met with Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. The ministers discussed the well-established commercial ties and strengthening trade and investment between Canada and India.