Close X
Monday, September 30, 2024
ADVT 
National

Indian, Canadian Companies To Produce Tablet To Help Learn Punjabi: Bardish Chagger

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Mar, 2017 12:41 PM
    Canada values diversity and to that effect a Canadian company has joined hands with an Indian company to produce a tablet that will help people learn to read and write Punjabi and Gurmukhi, said Bardish Chagger in an interview.
     
    Chagger is one of the four Sikhs in the Canadian Cabinet and holds the portfolio of Minister of Small Business and Tourism. She is also the first woman in Canadian history to have been appointed the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
     
    No small achievement for a woman who even today refers to her as a ‘Punjabi child’. “My dad’s from Ludhiana and my mom’s from Phillaur. I am a Punjabi child, so the first language I learnt to speak in Canada was Punjabi,” she said. 
     
    To prove the point she makes her next point in perfect Punjabi. “My chachaji’s son got married in Amritsar, so I got to attend the wedding. I also went to the Golden Temple,” she said.
     
     
    Canada is also launching its third direct flight from Mumbai to Toronto from July 1. Canada already has two direct flights, Vancouver to Delhi and Toronto to Delhi, all operated by Air Canada.
     
    Chagger makes no bones of the fact that the strength of Canada lies in its diversity. “When people are Canadians, we want them to be close to their food, culture. I am really proud of my Indian roots,” she said. 
     
    She also points out that what the Punjabis have brought to Canada is their ability to engage with the community, “to make it their own, so whether it’s by doing volunteer work, seva or by joining the political process, donating or running for office”. She points out that the Punjabi ability to do so has been a huge influence. She says this foundation has been laid for generations. 
     
    “We build and shape the community we live in and want others to live in,” Chagger says. 
     
     
    The minister refuses to be critical of the change in the immigration policies of the United States and instead says, “The US is our cousins to the South. They are our family and with a family you will always find ways to work. And that is part of my Indian roots that we will always find a way to work together.”

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Kinder Morgan President Backs Off Climate Change Remarks

    Kinder Morgan President Backs Off Climate Change Remarks
      "My comments didn't come out quite right," Ian Anderson of Kinder Morgan told the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

    Kinder Morgan President Backs Off Climate Change Remarks

    Perth Child Psychiatrist Aaron Voon To Face Edmonton Porn Charges In Australian Court

    Perth Child Psychiatrist Aaron Voon To Face Edmonton Porn Charges In Australian Court
    Aaron Voon was arrested at West Edmonton Mall in May after he allegedly used a mobile device to film a boy using a theatre washroom.

    Perth Child Psychiatrist Aaron Voon To Face Edmonton Porn Charges In Australian Court

    Troubling To Hear Woman Candidate Allege Harassment In PC Race: Alberta Premier

    Troubling To Hear Woman Candidate Allege Harassment In PC Race: Alberta Premier
    EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says it's troubling to hear a female candidate say she dropped out of the Progressive Conservative leadership contest due to abuse and intimidation.

    Troubling To Hear Woman Candidate Allege Harassment In PC Race: Alberta Premier

    Prominent Canadian Muslim Leader Urges Calm After Donald Trump's Surprise Election Win

    Prominent Canadian Muslim Leader Urges Calm After Donald Trump's Surprise Election Win
    CALGARY — A prominent Muslim leader is urging calm after Donald Trump's surprise U.S. election win.

    Prominent Canadian Muslim Leader Urges Calm After Donald Trump's Surprise Election Win

    Efforts Begin To Reposition, Raise Sunken Tug Near Bella Bella, B.C.,

    BELLA BELLA, B.C. — Work is underway to reposition a submerged tug before lifting it from waters off British Columbia's central coast.

    Efforts Begin To Reposition, Raise Sunken Tug Near Bella Bella, B.C.,

    No B.C. Style Tax, Kathleen Wynne Says Ontario Will Make Small Change To Help First Time Home Buyers

    No B.C. Style Tax, Kathleen Wynne Says Ontario Will Make Small Change To Help First Time Home Buyers
    The provincial Liberal government will announce the strategy in Monday's fall economic statement, but Wynne is downplaying expectations of broader action to address soaring home prices in the Greater Toronto Area.

    No B.C. Style Tax, Kathleen Wynne Says Ontario Will Make Small Change To Help First Time Home Buyers