72nd Independence Day celebrations in Ottawa

The flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day of India was held on the morning of 15th August 2018 at India House. The ceremony was attended by approximately 200 persons. High Commissioner unfurled the National Flag and read out excerpts from President of India's message to the nation. This was followed by reciting of a poem titled 'Rashtriya ka Ahwan' by Dr. V. Kumar Bharti and singing of patriotic songs by a local famous Indian musical group. Brunch consisting of hot Indian snacks was served in the end.

The National Day reception was held at Delta Hotel in the evening of 15th August 2018. The reception was very well attended with a gathering of approximately 450 persons. Among the distinguished guests were - current Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and former Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Hon. Ms. Bardish Chagger, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minster of Environment and Climate Change, The Rt Hon. Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, Justice Sheilah Martin, Senator Leo Housakos, Mr. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, Ontario, His Worship Mr. Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, several Members of Parliament, and members of the Provincial Assembly, Ambassadors and prominent figures from the world of business, media, culture, academics and prominent members of the Indian community from Ottawa , Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal and Kingston.

High Commissioner addressed the gathering and informed about the new and resurgent India creating a better future through engagement of youth and technology as well as through flagship programmes like 'Make in India and Digital India'. He spoke about India's external engagement with the world with the aim of peace through constructive initiatives embodied in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. He also acknowledged the Indian diaspora's importance and contribution in the growth of relations between the two countries.

Hon. Bardish Chagger and Minister Catherine McKenna also addressed the gathering. Hon. Chagger said she took pride in proclaiming her India heritage and spoke about the positive role of Indo-Canadian community towards building Canada a better place to live in. She talked about her recent two visits to India. She stressed that people-to-people and business-to-business ties can take the relationship between the two countries to higher levels. Minister Mckenna spoke about the technological capabilities of India and highlighted the recycling capabilities of India in plastic waste management and hoped that both countries can collaborate in the field of plastic waste management and also renewable energy resources especially solar energy.

The guests were then regaled to a dazzling performances by local prominent Indian groups - instrumental music by Flute Siva, Bharatnatyam by Rathi Dance Group and Bhangra by SYPD Academy.

The highlight of the evening was Khadi exhibition sent by the Khadi & Village Industries Commission which was inaugurated by Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minster of Environment and Climate Change of Canada. She showed a lot of interest in various khadi items on display and appreciated these environment friendly items. It was the right occasion for promotion of khadi items in Canada. The evening concluded with the guests being treated to a sumptuous Indian platter.

Ottawa

16.08.2018