Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

With roots dating back to 1800s, April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada

Darpan News Desk IANS, 03 Apr, 2023 11:41 AM
  • With roots dating back to 1800s, April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada

Chandigarh, April 2 (IANS) With roots dating back to the 1800s, April is Sikh Heritage Month -- a time to celebrate and honour the rich history and culture of Canada's Sikh community.

"With 800,000 Sikhs calling Canada home, we have the largest Sikh diaspora, with roots of the first Sikh in Canada dating back to the 1800s," said Punjab-origin Member of Parliament (MP) from Brampton West, Kamal Khera.

At 26, Khera was the youngest to have won in the elections in Canada in 2015. She represents Canada's ruling Liberal party.

"As a Sikh, I am proud of the contributions and achievements of our community!" she tweeted.

In one of her visits to Punjab, she said: "My counterpart in India is always with heavy security, I move freely."

Proud of vibrant Sikh community, Sonia Sidhu, MP from Brampton South, tweeted, "April 1 marks the beginning of Sikh Heritage Month in Canada and as Canadians, we are proud of our country's strong and vibrant Sikh community."

"This month, let's continue to learn about Sikh Heritage in Canada."

Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, said this year "we celebrate 10 years of Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario".

Among many of the events listed, he said he would also be hosting a special event to award Gurbax Singh Malhi the key to the Brampton city on April 18.

As a mark of respect for Canada making it the second largest Sikh population in the world, the Mississauga Civic Centre clock tower was lighted with orange, part of the city's Community Recognition Programme.

Learning the faith of the Sikhs, another MP Francesco Sorbara said, "During this month we recognise the contributions to our country by the more than 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage, learn about their faith and rich history."

Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre, said, "This month, I encourage you all to take this opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith!"

India-origin Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, said Sikh Heritage Month "is a time to recognise the many contributions of the Sikh community across Canada. Today, I joined members of the Oakville and Halton Sikh community at the flag raising at Oakville Town Hall".

"This is an opportunity for Ontarians to come together to learn more about the Sikh faith and celebrate the many ways Sikh Ontarians help build a stronger and better Ontario," said Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford.

MP for Vancouver South, Harjit Sajjan, said, "Learn about how the Sikh values of equality and 'seva' (selfless service) are reflected in what we as Canadians strive toward."

Another Punjab-origin Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, added, "On behalf of our British Columbia New Democratic Party government, our caucus and colleagues at your opening gala for Sikh Heritage Month. I know there are many events planned throughout the month."

According to Sikh Heritage British Columbia, its philosophy is providing a space where the Sikh community can connect with each other and with neighbouring communities to help each other prosper, learn and grow.

Its promise is, "Create a space where Sikhs and non-Sikhs can come together to create connections and relationships for prosperity."

MORE National ARTICLES

University of British Columbia midwifery expanded

University of British Columbia midwifery expanded
The expansion from 28 to 48 seats, includes a dozen new spots in the bachelor of midwifery program and eight positions in the midwives bridging program, helping internationally educated midwives to become registered to practise in B.C.

University of British Columbia midwifery expanded

Invoking Emergencies Act justified: commission

Invoking Emergencies Act justified: commission
The 2,000-page report called the "Freedom Convoy" a "singular moment in history" exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as online misinformation and disinformation.

Invoking Emergencies Act justified: commission

Collision between a bus and a 41 year old male pedestrian leave him with life-threatening injuries

Collision between a bus and a 41 year old male pedestrian leave him with life-threatening injuries
The pedestrian was walking near the Sperling-Burnaby Lake Station Bus Loop when he was struck by a southbound transit bus turning into the bus loop just after 6 p.m. last night. It was dark and raining at the time of the crash, but all contributing factors in this incident are still under investigation.

Collision between a bus and a 41 year old male pedestrian leave him with life-threatening injuries

Suspect arrested in residential arson

Suspect arrested in residential arson
Mounties have located and arrested the suspect. The fire was believed to be intentionally set by a person known to the occupants. Police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the general public.

Suspect arrested in residential arson

Chinese balloon flew through Canada's 'radar gaps'

Chinese balloon flew through Canada's 'radar gaps'
Pelletier and Maj.-Gen. Paul Prevost of the Canadian Armed Forces strategic joint staff are appearing before a parliamentary committee this morning. The two say the Chinese balloon passed near several Canadian military bases during its journey through Canada on Jan. 30-31.

Chinese balloon flew through Canada's 'radar gaps'

Rebranded 'sustainable jobs' plan published today

Rebranded 'sustainable jobs' plan published today
The Liberal government's long-promised plan to transition Canada's labour force to respond to climate change says a clean energy economy will not prompt massive unemployment in the country's energy towns. It says if Canada plays its cards right, the clean energy economy will create so many jobs there may not be enough workers to fill them.

Rebranded 'sustainable jobs' plan published today