In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indo-Canadian community, the annual Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill has been cancelled by the office of the Leader of the Opposition, Pierre Poilievre. This sudden decision, reported by various media outlets, has ignited accusations of racial bias and further inflamed the already strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India.
The Diwali event, organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), was a beloved tradition, bringing together diverse communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, for over two decades. It was scheduled for October 30th, but the organizers received no explanation for the cancellation, leaving them feeling betrayed and unfairly targeted.
Shiv Bhasker, President of OFIC, expressed profound disappointment, highlighting the event’s significance as a symbol of unity and cultural celebration. “The sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event, prompted by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out,” Bhasker stated.
He raised concerns about the message this cancellation sends to Indo-Canadians, particularly at a time of heightened tensions. “By canceling their participation, our political leaders have failed to draw a necessary distinction between the Canadian Indian community and the actions of the Indian government,” he noted.
Bhasker went on to address deeper concerns about systemic racism and discrimination in Canada, stating that the cancellation of the Diwali event underscores the “systemic biases that still exist.” He remarked, “This is not just about a canceled Diwali event or an event where the politicians decide to reengage on their commitment to attend; it is about a much deeper, more insidious problem. Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada.”
He emphasized that Indo-Canadians are proud citizens deeply rooted in Canada, independent of political disputes. “Our identity is Canadian, and we deserve to be treated as such, free from the consequences of political battles between nations,” he stressed.
The OFIC is demanding an apology for what they consider an “insensitive and discriminatory act” from the office of the Leader of the Opposition. Bhasker insists on a commitment to ensuring that no community in Canada feels like second-class citizens due to their cultural or ethnic background. He concluded, “We need to see a commitment to ensuring that no community in Canada is ever made to feel like second-class citizens because of their cultural or ethnic background.”
The cancellation of the Diwali celebration has sparked widespread condemnation from members of the Indo-Canadian community and beyond. Critics have argued that the decision was politically motivated and reflects a growing sense of intolerance towards minority groups in Canada. The incident has brought to light the complex relationship between Canada and India, where diplomatic tensions often spill over into the lives of ordinary citizens. It remains to be seen whether the Canadian government will address the concerns raised by the OFIC and take steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.
