Dr Kiran Martin along with the Asha team and students hosted a farewell evening to bid adieu to Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, Jess Dutton and his wife Sigrid on 11th of July at Kanak Durga slum community. Also present for the evening was Ms Jennifer Graham, Can Assist Society (New Delhi) Chair, Asha Students and Ambassadors.
Earnest supporters of Asha’s work, Mr Dutton and Sigrid are leaving India soon after completing their three-year tenure. While his time in India, Mr Dutton has been enthusiastically involved in Asha’s Internship and Mentorship programme, which has opened different avenues for our students. Sigrid on the other hand has mentored Asha student Komal and actively participated in various donation drives such as books, blankets and supplements for Asha’s slum communities.
Dr Kiran talked at length about the long association between the Canadian High Commission and Asha, expressing her gratitude for their support. She also applauded the students who have recently secured admission to colleges, saying ”Education Programme has become a revolution”. Four of Asha’s college students shared their Asha experience with the guests present.
Mr Dutton in his speech expressed happiness in being a part of Asha’s family and applauded the students for their achievements despite their challenging backgrounds.
‘’After some years when my wife and I sit back and talk about India, we won’t talk about its culture, historical monuments or celebrities we have met, but about the people in Asha family, who are and always will be special for us both’’, shared Mr Dutton.
‘’I am happy to have connected to Asha and its beautiful people’’, expressed Sigrid in her speech in Hindi.
The wonderful evening ended with the informal conversations between the students and the guest over small bites, followed by a dance to the beats of the Bollywood music.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Dutton and Sigrid for their unwavering support and commitment and wish them the greatest success in their future postings. Asha values this wonderful relationship with the Canadian High Commission and hopes that our bond may grow stronger.
