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2007 Diwali_ Wrldwide

 

Canada Prime Minister Celebrates Diwali on Parliament Hill with NRIs

 

Ottawa, Nov. 10, 2007
Balwinder sINGH

More than 300 NRIs including 40 members of Parliament and 9 Indo-Canadians organisations participated in the Diwali on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada.

Celebrating Diwali at Canada's Parliament Hill, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said:

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Namaste.

Before I begin, I would like to thank Deepak for his kind introduction.

Deepak, as many of you know, has been doing a great job in his role as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Deepak has been playing an instrumental role in building bridges between Canada’s New Government and the Indo-Canadian community.

And, most importantly, it is because of his efforts that we are gathered here for this seventh annual celebration of Diwali on Parliament Hill.So give Deepak a big hand.

Friends, it’s a great honour to join with you here tonight.As you’re well aware, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights as it’s otherwise known, is one of the great Hindu festivals.Every year it is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

The importance of Diwali cannot be overstated, as the festival symbolizes the most eternal of themes.The renewal of life. And the triumph of good over evil.

As you gather with your loved ones to celebrate this joyous occasion, please know that the thoughts of Canada’s New Government are with you.I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Muslim Canadians a joyous and spirited Eid Mubarak. Now, I believe that tonight’s event serves a dual purpose.

Needless to say, we are here first and foremost to celebrate the great festival of Diwali.But we are here for another reason as well.We are here to celebrate one of our country’s greatest strengths – its commitment to pluralism.

Since its birth, Canada has bound together individuals of varying ethnic and religious backgrounds in pursuit of a common goal – to build a peaceful, prosperous country rooted in equality of opportunity.The contribution made by the Indo-Canadian community to this endeavour has been particularly noteworthy.

Fuelled by an unshakeable work ethic and commitment to family and community, Indo Canadians are helping to build a stronger, better Canada for us.A country in which where you’re going matters more than where you’re from.A country that is united at home and respected abroad. A country that is unwavering in its commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law for all people of the world.

In short, a country of which we can all be proud.

In closing, I would once again like to offer my best wishes for a most enjoyable, memorable, and happy Diwali.

Namaste.

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In Toronto, Capitalizing on the joyous mood, Diwali-themed fundraisers have proliferated in the GTA. The largest, Trillium Health Centre's Diwali gala, attracted 900 this year and raised more than $600,000.

HSBC Bank at 14th year and CIBC for the first time celebrated Diwali patries for their NRI staff and NRIcustomers

Subbu Chintaluri, executive director of the Gerrard India Bazaar said, "Here, you cannot do that because it would be a fire hazard and most South Asians string colourful lights on their homes, giving some neighbours the impression they're just over-eager for Christmas.

Vancouver Celebrates Diwali was a partnership between the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Park Board, and business and community partners, and is sponsored by South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. A massive showcase highlighting the various classical and folk arts of India featuring the top performing artists from BC. Also featuring handicraft, mendhi, clothing and food vendors, and dance workshops!.

 

 

 


Canada Prime Minister Celebrates Diwali on Parliament Hill with NRIs