Namaste,
I’m
honoured to be with you today, during
the celebrations marking India Day.
This year’s theme is “Promoting
Peace and Harmony”. Can there
be two better words to live-by than
peace and harmony, especially when
trying to instil in our children
ideas and values to help make this
a better world?
Today’s
celebrations mark an important day
in India’s history. On January
26, 1950 the constitution of India
came into force, reflecting the values,
goals and aspirations of the people
of India. From the snows of Kashmir
to the pastures of Kanyakumari, from
the sand dunes of Kutch to the lush
green forests of Assam, the people
of India embraced the new era heralded
on this day.
From
one generation to another, traditions
and history has been taught to the
members of your community. Hence,
the significance of this India Day
is not lost on the younger generations,
nor on first or second generation
Canadians of Indian origin. As well,
their place in Canadian history is
also well known.
I
know that this year’s celebrations
hold even more special meaning as
the ties to your ancestral land have
been strengthened in the last couple
of weeks due to the horrible earthquake
experienced there. Your work, here
in Edmonton to help distant family
and friends has not gone unnoticed.
The way you have united is an example
to all on how we should come together
in a time of need. I’m happy
to say that through CIDA, Canada has
already provided $3 million in emergency
relief, which will directly help between
175,000 and 200,000 people.
I’d
like to once again thank the organizers
of today’s celebrations and specifically
Naresh Bhardwaj, for inviting me to
celebrate with you. To all of you,
I wish you a good day, and urge you
not to forget the importance of peace
and harmony in today’s world.
