Projects in Progress

2. Addressing the Evolving Challenges of International Students in Canada: A Collaborative Project with the University of Victoria” The landscape of higher education in Canada is currently transforming, particularly impacting international students. These students, vital for bringing diversity and economic boost to Canadian academic institutions, face growing challenges. This crucial issue is at the heart of a collaborative project between GNI and the University of Victoria (UVic), which is aiming for completion by the end of 2024. This initiative is focused on comprehensively understanding the obstacles faced by international students, intensified by recent changes in Canada’s immigration policies affecting visa processes, work permits, and post-study work opportunities. Moreover, the project acknowledges the significant mental health challenges faced by international students, such as cultural shock, social isolation, and stress from academic pressures in a foreign environment. These issues, often compounded by the complexities of navigating a new country’s systems and policies, can significantly impact their overall wellbeing and academic success. We invite international students in Canada to share their experiences and suggestions with us. Your insights into how immigration policy changes, cultural adjustments, and mental health challenges have affected your journey are invaluable. Your insights are crucial in helping us formulate policy recommendations for the Canadian government. With your feedback, we can advocate for improved support structures and policy reforms, aiming to enhance international students’ overall academic and personal experiences in Canada. Your contributions will be vital in driving positive changes at the governmental level, ensuring a more supportive educational environment for international students.

3. Ancient Sikh Literature Digitization: This scholarly project focuses on the meticulous sorting and digitization of historic Sikh literature and Guru Granth Sahib saroops. These precious texts are brought from various parts of Punjab to Goindwal Sahib biweekly for their ceremonial cremation. The project is a synergistic collaboration with the Shiromani Gurduara Parbandhak Committee in Amritsar. A dedicated GNI team of three research scholars is actively engaged in this significant endeavour. Upon completion of the digitization process, one copy of the material is entrusted to the SGPC, while another is preserved within the GNI archives for record-keeping and further scholarly reference.