ICCC & CTCC office bearers at the joint networking event

Mr. Jagdish Bajaj, Vice President ICCC and Mr. Ravi Kanagasabey, Vice President CTCC introduced the evening to the audience and welcomed the members of both the chambers.

The event focused on promoting cooperation between the two chambers and opening up the new avenues for its members for mutual benefit through networking. The Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce was established as a voluntary non-profit, non-sectarian, non-sectional organization in 1991 to “develop and foster entrepreneurship”. For over 25 years, CTCC has built a strong community that consists of innovative, successful and passionate individuals who continue to lead the approximately 500,000 strong Canadian Tamil community to success.

The event offered an opportunity to some participants to introduce their companies and the products they provide, and how it can be helpful to others. The initiative was much appreciated by the participants.

CTCC President Mr. Ajith Sabaratanam, welcomed the audience and was enthusiastic about the new partnership forged between his organization and the ICCC. He said that CTCC is celebrating 25th year in Canada, and invited the ICCC members to join their celebrations in a mega event that is being planned to commemorate the organization’s silver jubilee.

He said more engagements among the members of both the organization will help each grow more, and rapidly. The CTCC has built a strong community that consists of innovative, successful and passionate individuals who continue to lead the approximately 500,000 strong Canadian Tamil community to success.

ICCC President Sanjay Makkar	ICCC VP Jagdish Bajaj with CTCC VP  Ravi Kanagasabey
CTCC President Ajith Sabaratanam	Hon. Dipika Damerla
Ajith Sabaratanam, Ravi Gukathasan & Sanjay Makkar	Keynote Speaker Dr. Ravi Gukathasan

Mr. Sanjay Makkar, President ICCC, in his introductory remarks, complemented the CTCC for its achievements, and said the ICCC has a long-established tradition of forging links with organizations that represent specific cultures. “In a multicultural milieu that is Canada, it is important that entrepreneurs and professionals from different cultures meet to share experiences,” he said.

He suggested that future cooperation between the two chambers should revolve around new methods of networking. This would help in exploring new opportunities for members of both chambers for promoting their businesses. The ICCC aims to help its members succeed through meetings, networking and interacting with people. This event has been put together to generate synergy between the two organisations to benefit our members. 

Ravi R. Gukathasan was the keynote speaker for the evening. Gkuathasan serves as Chief Executive Officer at Digital Specialty Chemicals Limited. Mr. Gukathasan founded Digital Specialty Chemicals Ltd in 1987. He has seen DSC grow to become an ISO9001 & 14001 registered company with a modern manufacturing facility, more than 40 employees and annual sales in excess of $10 million. His primary duties are to plan the future growth, corporate and financial decision-making and overseeing the daily operations of the business. He is passionate about DSC’s success built from the fundamentals of environmental and social responsibility.

In his keynote address, Gukathasan said that he started his life in Canada in 1978 and faced a number of challenges in his life. He referred to the Ashoka Moment in one’s life when you need to change yourself and started helping others to get the benefit of your success.

Hon. Dipika Damerla, Provincial Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs was also present at the event and appreciated the efforts of both the chamber for coming together. 

Participants at the event	Participants at the event