Indo-Canadian receive Canada's top civilian honour

An Indian-origin scientist who did pioneering research on workplace and spinal injuries has been bestowed the 'Officer of the Order of Canada', country's top civilian honour.
     
Shrawan Kumar is among 57 Canadians chosen annually from diverse fields like arts, education, music, politics, public service and health to be named to the Order by governor general Michaëlle Jean.
     
Born in Allahabad, Kumar joined the faculty at the University of Alberta 30 years ago where he researched, published and taught on ergonomics, occupational health and lower back pain.
     
He was honoured: "For his contributions to the field of rehabilitation ergonomics, in Canada and abroad, notably in his research and teachings on the causation, prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries," the citation said.
     
The mechanics of the spine intrigued him early in his academic career, Kumar said.
   
"If think of any other body part, and you want to move it, it will take one, two muscles to move in direction and a couple of muscles to move it back," he said.
     
"When you look at the spine, and especially the back, there are multiple muscles, there are layers of muscles, and they all do different. They work in concert, like orchestra."
   
Kumar retired from the University of Alberta two years ago. Presently he is at a faculty at the University of North where he continues to research. The Order of Canada has three levels --member, officer and companion.