The second India Day Parade was held with much fanfare in Ottawa on Sunday, 20th August, 2017, from Parliament Hill to City Hall

The Parade was organized by the India-Canada Association (ICA), in collaboration with the High Commission of India, Ottawa and other Indian Associations based in Ottawa. High Commissioner of India Vikas Swarup led the Parade accompanied by members of the High Commission and a large number of Indo-Canadians attired in colourful dresses from all walks of life representing the full diversity of India.

The Highland Mist Pipe Band, Ottawa marched in front of the Parade, and the entire route through Parliament Hill was a riot of sound and colour, with Indian and Canadian flags fluttering, participants singing, drumming and dancing to Bollywood as well as patroiotic Indian songs and chanting slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Matram. The parade culminated at City Hall, Ottawa where it was joined by various dignitaries including Ms. Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, Member of Parliament Chandra Arya, and other prominent members of the Indian Associations in Ottawa.

High Commissioner Vikas Swarup, along with Minister Catherine McKenna, Mayor Jim Watson and MP Chandra Arya jointly unfurled the Indian National Flag at City Hall. Thereafter, there were brief speeches by the dignitaries.

High Commissioner, in his address, lauded the contributions of Indo-Canadians in the development of Canada, and said that the India Day Parade was not only a manifestation of the diversity of Canada but also of India, as it brought together Indo-Canadians from all walks of life in a shared celebration of India’s rich history and heritage. High Commissioner also lauded the message of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the occasion of India’s Independence and the complementarities which exist between the two countries. He also touched upon the Ministerial interactions between the two countries and India’s commitment to fight climate change.

Minister Catherine McKenna in her brief speech spoke about the leadership role India had taken in the fight against climate change, lauded the contributions of Indo-Canadians and also read out a special message by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the occasion of the India Day Parade.

Mayor Jim Watson in his speech fondly remembered his visit to India and the huge potential for bilateral trade which exists between the two countries and the significant contributions of Indo-Canadians in building Canada.

The function was followed by a cultural programme and festivities celebrating the rich heritage and cuisine of India.