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Surrey: OFBJP British Columbia, Canada chapter, led by its President Mr. Aditya Tawatia and
supported by team members – Parveen Goel, Vivek Vashishta, Harb, Gill, Gagan Grewal, Robinder Moe and many other volunteers organized a “Grand Public program” on 15th Aug in Vancouver British Colombia to celebrate India’s 68th Independence Day. Program was attended by close to 800 Indo-Canadian community members. All three levels of Canadian government and opposition parties’ leaders were present and gave their messages as well as good wishes to
community for the India’s Independence Day. A wonderful cultural
program representing richness and diversity of Indian culture along with variety of delicious Indian food made it a memorable evening for all. Aditya Tawatia congratulated Indo-Canadian community on 68th Indian Independence day and said that we are descendants of Chakravarti Samrat Hemu, Prithviraj Chouchan, Maharaja Surajmal, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Hari Singh Nalwa, Sheed Bhagat Singh, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukharjee and many more national icons and Mr. Modi share the same vision of these great Indians such as “ONE INDIA-STRONG INDIA. OFBJP BC Treasurer, Parveen Goel called it a historic event for the Indo Canadian community in the lower
mainland as this is the first time when so many Indo Canadian cutting across all the socio-economic, political and religious lines came together to celebrate the Independence day of India.

Mr. Vivek Vashishta said OFBJP team in BC worked very hard to organize this event and we all are very proud of the success. This gives us hope and encouragement for our mission to increase cooperation within Indo Canadian community and improved trade, cultural and political ties between India and Canada. Consul General of India Hon. Ravi Shankar Aisola was the Chief Guest. OFBJP Global Convener Vijay Jolly graced the occasion as Guest of Honor & unfurled the Indian national flag at this well attended public program. Mr. Vijay Jolly specially flew from India to Canada to participate in this program. While unfurling the Indian tricolor flag at the Bombay banquet Hall in Surrey to celebrate India’s 68th Independence Day he conveyed warm good wishes & greetings from the All India BJP President Mr. Amit Shah. “India is a great nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a dynamic leader in modern times “stated Mr. Vijay Jolly. He lauded PM Modi for his historic public address from Red Fort without the usual bullet proof glass screen. It showcased the renewed vigor & confidence of Indian govt. claimed Mr. Jolly. ” Prime Minister Modi offering respect to all previous governments & Prime Ministers in India “and further stating that ” He is not Pradhan Mantri (Prime Ministe ) but Pradhan Sevak (Prime Servant) of India ” reflected the true, humble state, style, mind & heart of Hon. Narendra Modi stated OFBJP leader while addressing Canadian Citizens assembled to celebrate Indian Independence Day in B.C Vancouver.
A book on Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled- A Political Biography in Punjabi language was released by Mr. Jolly along with Hon. Mr. Ravi Shankar Aisola & Mr Tawatia at the program. After the flag hoisting, homage was paid to Indian freedom fighters namely Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, Sukhdev and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and many other national heros. OFBJP also commemorated the 100th anniversary of Komogata Maru. A cultural program of Bhangra, Bharat Natyam & Ghazals were performed by local artists. Popular TV Anchor Harpreet Singh and Radio show host Mrs. Tejaswita Mohan conducted the program.
Many political and community leaders attended the program including, Canadian Senator Yonah Martin, local Members of Parliament Ms Wai Young (Vancouver South MP), Mrs. Jinny Sims (Newton and North Delta MP) , Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver MP ), British Columbia Education Minister Amrik Virk, Marvin Hunt ( Surrey MLA ), Mrs. Barinder Rasode ( Surrey Councilor ), Ex MLA Dr. Gulzar S. Cheema, Ex MLA Dave S Hayer , Ms. Brenda Locke (Candidate for Surrey Council ), Hindu Temple Burnaby Secretary Shanker Chowdhry ,Janata Sewak Society President Sudarshan Bakshi, Sardar Balbir Singh Changiara (Gen Sec Shriomani Akali Dal Canada).

Photos by Chandra Bodalia, Jay Sharma, A Master Media

For more photos view community page.