Harper marks inauguration of Year of India in Canada

The one-million strong Indian diaspora plays a 'vital role' in Canada''s economic and cultural landscape, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said while participating in the launch of the Year of India in Canada 2011.

The event aims to highlight India''s culture, traditions and diversity, and celebrate the contributions of the Indian Diaspora to Canadian society.

Harper was joined by Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and host Shashishekhar M Gavai, High Commissioner of India to Canada.

"Our country is home to a vibrant, nearly one-million strong, Indo-Canadian community that plays a vital role in Canada''s economic and cultural landscape," Harper said.

"This Year will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase India''s colourful culture and traditions while strengthening connections between our two countries.

The Year of India in Canada represents a unique opportunity to explore Canada''s rich cultural diversity and I encourage all Canadians to participate in festivities, which will be taking place across the country," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Gavai said that the yearlong festivities would include exhibitions of Indian art and culture, seminars on promoting trade and business, conferences on enhanced co-operation, food and film festivals and more in different parts of the country.

The celebratory year was designated for 2011 by Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the latter''s visit to India in November 2009.

"The aim is to showcase India''s rich art and culture, as well as its rise as an economic power, thereby promoting closer people-to-people ties across a broad range of sectors, including business," Gavai said.

Amjad Ali Khan, master of the Sarod, performed his sarod vadan with Amann Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan that was appreciated by a large number of audiences.

Organised by the High Commission of India, the Year of India will feature a number of cultural and artistic events across the country, including musical and theatrical performances as well as literary gatherings, book fairs, business meetings and children''s events.

Canada and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations and both countries are working together to further strengthen ties. Since 2006, twenty Canadian ministers have visited India, including an official delegation led by Prime Minister Harper in November 2009.

The prime ministerial visit was reciprocated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in June 2010 the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Canada since 1973.