Ekal Canada

As we are ready to announce the addition of Regina–Saskatchewan Chapter to Ekal Canada Family effective immediately, we would like to thank Rakesh Prasad Ji for his persistent effort to start Regina–Saskatchewan Chapter.

At present, there are Ekal Chapters in Windsor, Sarnia, London ON, Kitchener / Waterloo, Greater Toronto (GTA), Kingston, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver. There is informal presence in Montreal. The Regina–Saskatchewan Chapter will be lead by highly qualified and dedicated individuals as follows:

Chapter Chair: Dr. Renu Kapoor
Co-Chair: Dr. Renatta Verma

Dr. Renu Kapoor

Dr. Renu Kapoor was awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD), by the University of Regina in 2019. The two attachments below provide a listing of her achievements – details of awards conferred upon her, and the various voluntary positions she held in social circles.

Dr. Renu Kapoor’s history of awards
Dr. Renu Kapoor’s volunteer history

As a child growing up in India, Renu ji recalls her mother helping young women further their education, while her father was a founding member of the Rotary service club in the country. She absorbed those childhood lessons and has applied them in her professional work as a counsellor, and in the many roles she has played as a volunteer and fundraiser. Renu ji says, “My criteria for volunteering is, ‘Will it help people and make our community better?’” She has a Master of Social Work from the University of Lucknow, India, and a Master of Science, Social Work, from the University of Wisconsin. She and her husband Don settled in Regina in 1965.

Renu ji’s career focused on mental health and addictions counselling with Regina Health District for over 35 years. Her volunteer activities outside work encompass organizations such as Cultural Connections Regina, Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, Sask Culture, the Regina Public Library, the YWCA of Regina, Health Care Excellence Awards, United Way of Regina and the Regina Airport Authority. She has also taken leading roles in various fundraising galas, including India Night, Champions for Mental Health, Moving Forward Together and the RCMP Charity Ball, the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal, Diamond and Jubilee Medals, U of R President’s Community Award, YWCA Volunteer of the Year Award and the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, among many
others. Renu ji says that her parents raised her to believe in the spirit of sharing, and people should volunteer because of their values, not for recognition.

Dr. Renatta Varma

Dr. Renatta Varma was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is a full-time Vitreo-retinal surgeon in Regina and is married with 3 young children. Dr. Varma is a passionate supporter of the city’s arts and culture scene. She is a philanthropist and an avid supporter of many charitable organization in Saskatchewan. Dr. Varma is the Past President of the Hindu Samaj of Southern Saskatchewan (2017-2019) and past Chair of the India-Canada Association Supper Night fundraiser. She is the present Board Chair of the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB) Saskatchewan Chapter and is on the board of the RCMP Heritage Center, the Regina International Film Festival, the Horizon Laser Vision Center and Cultural Connections Regina. In 2019 she was awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the healthcare category. She enjoys music and dance, and performs Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dances at various cultural programs throughout the year.

It is a very important day in the history of Ekal Canada. It is a very welcome addition to Ekal Canada Team. Please welcome Renu ji and Renatta ji to Ekal Team.

With very warm regards,
Parshotam Gupta
President, Ekal Canada