April 28, 2014
On April 14th we celebrated the 315th anniversary of the creation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sikh-Canadians from coast to coast to coast marked the holiest day in the Sikh calendar and the beginning of spring and the harvest.
During this year’s Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan and Khalsa Day Parade, I was fortunate to celebrate with Sikh Canadians in Toronto and Vancouver. Hundreds of thousands of people participated in both these events, and it was moving to be swept up in the colourful crowds. It is certainly a reflection of our nation’s strength and vibrancy to see hundreds of volunteers doing seva while preparing langar. In Toronto, volunteers guided me through the countless stalls, and I was eager to lend a hand in making one of the sangat’s favourite treats, jalebis!
In Vancouver, I had the privilege of visiting with Sri Guru Granth Sahib at the Ross Street Gurdwara, and walking with the sangat at the Nagar Kirtan. The walk symbolizes the ultimate goal in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s creation of Khalsa: a society that is founded on freedom and equality. This goal maintains that no matter where or to whom you were born, you have an opportunity to achieve success freely and fairly. These ideals are central to Canadians’ values of freedom and opportunity.
I was honoured to present the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, translated into Punjabi, to the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver as well as to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council. As the creation of Khalsa defines Sikhism, the Canadian Charter defines our shared country. It defends our individual rights and freedoms, and it ensures that the Five Ks of Sikhism are protected. We can take great pride in recognizing that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity and in its safeguarding of this diversity.
I look forward to the celebrations of Vaisakhi next year, and I hope that every April, all Canadians use this occasion to gain an even deeper appreciation of Sikh culture and community.
This is what being Canadian is all about: celebrating one another and the unique contributions we all make to the diverse fabric that is Canadian society.
Happy Vaisakhi.
Justin