Visit of High Commissioner to Gurudwara Sahib in Greater Montreal D.D.O

On the invitation of Gurudwara sahib of Greater Montreal D.D.O., High Commissioner accompanied by Minister(Community & Cultural Affairs) and Second Secretary(PIC) attended the 320^th Vaisakhi celebrations in the Gurudwara Sahib on 14 April, 2019.

The High Commissioner was greeted warmly by Mr. Surinder Singh Bains, Chairman, Mr. Gurdeep Singh Sohal, President, Mr. Amar Singh Kaura, General Secretary and the Management Committee of the Gurudwara Sahib. The visit started with a meeting with the Management Committee which was also attended by two Members of Canadian Parliament, Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia, and Mr. Frank Baylis. HC announced that a Consular camp will be organised in the Gurudwara Sahib itself during the next 2-months at a mutually convenient day where all concerned Indian community persons can avail of services such as Life certificate, etc. This announcement was warmly welcomed by entire congregation.

After the meeting the HC proceeded to prayer hall where more than 500 members of the Punjabi community were listening to the Shabad Kirtan. After the Kirtan, the HC was invited to address the Sangat. HC spoke about contribution of the Sikh Gurus to the Humanity, contribution of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to Sikhism and briefed about celebrations of 550^th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji by GOI by organising special events all over the world through the Indian Missions. HC remarked that at the core of Sikh teachings about equality and oneness is the langar, a free community kitchen where everyone is welcome regardless of social or religious distinctions He briefed the gathering about various policies of GOI for the benefit of Indian Diaspora like OCI cards, e-visa facility, Know India Program, etc. High Commissioner further informed the gathering about ‘Connect with Your Roots’ program of Punjab government to connect with their motherland. He closed his address by inviting the Diaspora to keep the dialogue between High Commission and them as a 2-way dialogue to enable the Mission to listen to the suggestions for improvement in various areas. The High Commissioner alongwith his two Community officers took the Prasad with the Sikh community members in the Langar Hall.

Ottawa

15 April 2019