Diversity and Hope: India's Example

Remarks by Hon. David Kilgour, MP for Edmonton Southeast (undelivered)

India Day Celebration

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton

1 February 2004

It's an honour to be here this afternoon.

The theme this year is "Promoting Non-Violence and Harmony." How many countries do we know of that are led by a coalition of more than 30 different political parties, as India now is? As the world's largest democracy by far, India has embraced diversity and turned it into something remarkable.

As Gurcharan Das wrote in his book India Unbound, "India embraced democracy first and capitalism afterwards and this has made all the difference. ... it is more likely to preserve its way of life and its civilization of diversity, tolerance and spirituality." India has become a beacon of light for many in the 21st century.

This is one reason why Edmonton and Canada are so lucky to have such a strong Indo-Canadian community. One in about thirty Canadians now is of Indian origin. India is now, I understand, the largest source country for new immigrants to Alberta.

This country has much to learn from India, as we deal with the challenges of our own cultural, linguistic, and regional differences. We can gain new ways of looking at old problems. All this is possible because of the Indo-Canadian community.

The best tool to promote harmony and non-violence is education. It is essential for human dignity and prosperity. Indo-Canadians have understood this.  Some of our best doctors, businesspeople, lawyers, teachers, engineers and virtually everything else are of Indian origin.  It is no wonder that India has become a leader in information and communications technology, and today is one of the world's largest economies.

Hearty congratulations to those honoured here today for their respective academic and athletic achievements. Your contributions to our community, are greatly appreciated.

Finally, when we speak of non-violence, we instinctively think of Mahatma Gandhi. The great leader once said, "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man." Gandhi saw non-violence not only as an end, but also as a means. Harmony is achieved in harmonious ways. Let all Canadians, whatever our background, join in celebrating this theme, not only today, but every day.

Thank you to the Council of India Societies of Edmonton and President Naresh Bharwaj for having me here today. May the Republic of India continue to influence Canada and the world through peace and understanding.