High Commission of India

Ottawa

72^nd Republic Day Celebrations

1. Despite the limitations imposed by COVID-19 panndemic, the High Commission of India in Ottawa celebrated the 72^nd Republic Day of India with traditional fervor and zeal. On account of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the flag hoisting event in the morning was not open to public but was telecast live on our social media platforms.  High Commissioner, Shri Ajay Bisaria unfurled the tricolour which was followed by singing of National Anthem.  Thereafter, High Commissioner read out the Hon'ble President's message to the Nation which was followed by singing of patriotic songs. Light refreshments were served.

2. In the evening, a grand virtual cultural event was streamed digitally on our Facebook, Youtube and also shared simultaneously on digital meeting platform for the invited guests. Hon’ble Anita Anand, Federal Minister for Public Services and Procurement was the Chief Guest on the occasion.  She spoke about the strong strategic relations between the two countries, about her Indian roots and the help received from GoI in bringing back Canadians from India through Vande Bharat flights.  Other distinguished guests included – Members of Parliament: Mr. Rob Oliphant, Mr. Bob Saroya, Mr. Chandra Arya and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson who all also spoke on the occasion. Ambassadors and prominent figures from the world of business, media, culture, academics and prominent members of the Indian community from Ottawa & Montreal also joined the celebration virtually.

3. High Commissioner addressed the gathering and spoke about India’s growth in education and learning and in building infrastructure for a better life for our people. He highlighted role of India’s people and leadership in facing the challenge of pandemic with fortitude and strength adding that India came through as a reliable partner in maintaining vital global supply chains, especially of medicines, as we continue to play the role of the ‘pharmacy of the world’.  He pointed out to the sharp decline in India’s active Covid-19 case load  and the per million infection rates which stands at one of the lowest in the world. He spoke about India’s crucial role in equitable global availability of vaccines as India has 60% of global vaccine production capacity and added that vaccines manufactured in India have already moved to our neighbouring and key partner countries  in  the  spirit  of  Vasudaiva Kutumbakham  ‘the  world  is  one  family’.       He added that as a democratic society, the right to assembly and protests are sacrosanct in India and that we hold our democratic institutions and values to a higher degree of criticism but we will not brook any interference in our sovereign and internal matters, people of India are determined to defend and protect themselves from forces that are inimical to the unity and integrity of our nation and those that use intimidation and terrorism to achieve their goals will be responded strongly and effectively to eliminate such threats.

4. The evening event also featured cultural performances by local Indo-Canadian groups with the highlights being Kathak performance by ICCR artist, Dr. Vidhi Nagar and singing of Indian National Anthem by Canadian artist, Ms. Ginette Dube who for ten years has been learning sitar from sitar maestro Pandit Partha Bose of Kolkata and Canadian National Anthem by Ms. Ragini Singh, a renowed Indo-Canadian singer. During the virtual program the special invitees had Indian food delivered at their residence which had been specially prepared for the occasion by award winning Chef Joe Thottungal.

5. Few photographs of the celebration are attached.

Ottawa

2 Feb 2021