My dear friends,
I am very grateful to each one of you for having honoured me for being present here today. My first words are going to be words of gratitude, words which speak of the immense pride and joy we have in the achievements of the Indo-Canadians in this country. You
are a community of 1.5 million people. The name and fame that you have earned through your hard work has helped to change the people’s perspective in the Western world of what India has earned, what India stands for and what India can do and this alone I think
entitles you to earn our gratitude. I am very happy that you have flourished in this land. That is the pride we have in your achievements. When I was Finance Minister what I learnt was that the people of India were very keen to prove that given the appropriate
environment Indians were second to none. We have to ensure that people don’t have to go out of India to Silicon Valley for this to happen. I would like to say that you have distinguished yourselves in all walks of life, whether it is politics, whether it is
industry, whether it is trade and whether it is science and technology. In each of these areas people of Indian origin have done us proud.
I have only one word to say that we should not bring to this country some of the divisive elements of politics back at home. You would well know that it does not help to advance the cause of the community. It does not help by living in the past. We take
pride in the fact that your roots make you feel emotional about various provinces, about various states but there is still a need to present a united image of the Indo-Canadian community. I have only this request to make.
There are several issues which you have raised and others might have similar issues. I promise you that when I get back home, I will set up some mechanism to deliberate on the issues that have been raised here or raised elsewhere in the Indo-Canadian community.
With regard to events of 1984, these were horrible and they should never have happened. I have on behalf of the Government of India apologized, on behalf of the nation apologized for what happened in 1984. There are concerns about those who perpetrated these
crimes must be brought to book. There are possible weaknesses in the Indian legal system, as there may be in the Canadian system. We are trying to address these issues. Our Government, the UPA Government, has opened up all cases for compensation, we are open
to provide relief, succor to victims, the relatives so they can once again lead a life of dignity. It is futile to stay in the past. We can’t get away from our past but the challenge is to look ahead in a world increasingly globalised, integrated whether you
are here or in India.
We are part and parcel of a united India, a country of great diversity where the Sikhs are an honoured part, where I am the Prime Minster of India. Two years back we had J J Singh as the Sikh Commander of the Indian Army, we have Sikhs as Ambassadors. Punjab
is today run by Shiromani Akali Dal. Sikhs have made a name and achieved fame. Sikhs want to move ahead from 1984. Some times unwittingly we create an atmosphere which sets the unhappiness of the Sikh community. Therefore it is incumbent on the Sikh diaspora
to strengthen the bonds of India-Canada relations. You are vitally involved and must accept all the changes in a globalised world. Divisive elements have no place in an increasingly integrated world. I would urge all of you to remain united and respect each
other. You are Indians, you have deep rooted links. You can use your unity to forge ahead and take advantage of the opportunities that India and Canada both offer. We are committed to offer the best relationships with both the countries. India is proud of
your achievements and I would like to express my joy at your achievements. If you have any issues our High Commissioner is here and I ensure that these subjects are suitably addressed in India.
Toronto
June 28, 2010