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Celebrating India Day

Notes for remarks by 
Hon. David Kilgour, M.P. for Edmonton Southeast
Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)
Council of India Societies of Edmonton
Edmonton, February 4, 2001

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.

 

 
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