Headline: Opposition Leader’s Cancellation of Annual Diwali Celebration Sparks Outrage in Indo-Canadian Community
Community Leaders Condemn Move as Deepening Divide Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Canada’s Indo-Canadian community has been left disheartened following the abrupt cancellation of the 24th annual Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. The event, which for over two decades has united Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs in celebration, was called off without an official explanation, igniting concerns over systemic discrimination and the relationship between Canadian politicians and the Indo-Canadian population.
For 23 years, the Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill has been a symbolic recognition of Canada’s diversity and inclusivity. However, this year’s sudden cancellation, widely seen as linked to strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, has left many feeling sidelined and unjustly targeted.
Shiv Bhasker, President of the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), expressed the community’s disappointment in an open letter to Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Opposition. Bhasker characterized the cancellation not as a logistical oversight but a “much deeper, more insidious problem,” suggesting it signals that the Indo-Canadian community is being viewed through the lens of foreign diplomatic issues rather than as equal members of Canadian society.
“This event was meant to celebrate Diwali, a festival deeply significant to Indo-Canadians and emblematic of Canada’s multiculturalism,” Bhasker wrote. “The abrupt withdrawal of political leaders, due to the diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed.”
The decision comes at a time of heightened tensions between Canada and India, following recent diplomatic disputes. While many Canadians of Indian heritage are proud of their ancestral ties, they are also deeply committed to Canada. Bhasker’s letter emphasized that the actions of a foreign government should not influence how Indo-Canadians are treated domestically.
“There is a failure to distinguish between the Indian government’s actions and the Indo-Canadian community,” Bhasker stated, adding that this decision has only reinforced harmful stereotypes and systemic biases. With approximately 850,000 Indo-Canadians contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and society, the community is seeking acknowledgment and support during this challenging period.
The letter demands an apology from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and calls for concrete steps to address systemic racism. Bhasker’s words reflect a community that feels abandoned by its political leaders at a time when cultural solidarity is crucial. “This is not about just one canceled event; it’s about ensuring no community in Canada feels like second-class citizens,” he asserted.
Bhasker also cautioned that the political repercussions could extend beyond this event. “We will remember our friends when exercising our franchise,” he warned, hinting at the potential electoral consequences of alienating a key and growing demographic.
The cancellation has sparked a broader conversation about how Canada navigates its multicultural identity amid political and diplomatic tensions. As Diwali symbolizes light, hope, and renewal, Bhasker and many others had hoped the event would bring Canadians together across cultural lines. Instead, they fear the cancellation has deepened existing divisions.
Now, the Indo-Canadian community awaits a response from political leaders, hoping for meaningful engagement and a commitment to preventing communities from being sidelined due to international politics. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring that all communities in Canada feel equally valued, regardless of global political events.
In the face of these challenges, the Indo-Canadian community remains a cornerstone of Canada’s social and economic landscape, standing firm in their Canadian identity while seeking accountability and inclusion.