India’s Consulate General in Vancouver celebrates Independence Day in ‘Khalistani stronghold’ Surrey for first time

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The Consulate General of India in Vancouver held the country’s 76th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 in the Canadian city of Surrey for the first time.</p>
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Surrey, a city in the British Columbia province of Canada, is considered a stronghold of Khalistani separatist elements with the managements of Guru Nanak Sikh Gudwara and Dashmesh Darbar Gurdwara in the city known for their anti–India and pro-Khalistan propaganda. </p>
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As part of the celebrations, Surrey mayor Dough McCallum issued a proclamation declaring Aug 15, 2022 as “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Day” in the city. The proclamation highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between India and British Columbia, which is home to over 400,000 people of Indian origin.</p>
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“Like the history of India's freedom movement, the journey of 75 years after independence is a reflection of the hard work, innovation, enterprise of ordinary Indians whether in the country or abroad,” the proclamation stated.</p>
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Proclamations on similar lines were also issued by mayors of Nanaimo, Burnaby, Victoria, and New Westminster.</p>
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The “Amrit Mahotsav Concert" at Michael J. Fox Theatre, Burnaby, was organized by the Consulate General of India in Vancouver in collaboration with Naad Arts Centre, Surrey. Kathak, Laavni, Gidha performance, Bhratnatyam dance and Indian Classical Fusion were the highlights of the concert.</p>
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The event was attended by over 600 people, including Raj Chouhan, Speaker, Legislative Assembly of BC, Randy Weakes, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of</p>
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Saskatchewan, Jinny Sims, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of British Columbia, Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, City of Burnaby, along with a number of Member of Parliaments, Members of Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and City Councilors.</p>
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Addressing the event, Consul General Manish said in his welcome remarks that the Amrit Mahotsav concert, organized under “Jan Bhagidari“ (people's participation) mode, was a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.</p>
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The celebrations were also held at a time when there are growing concerns over the activities of anti-India extremists following the assassination of Ripudaman Malik, who was acquitted in the 1985 Air India bombing case.</p>