Global Hindu Community of Canada

As a part of the Indo-Canadian community, specifically the Hindu Canadian community from across the globe, we are appalled by the Conservative Party of Canada's decision to cancel Diwali celebrations due to political reasons. This move spearheaded by Pierre Poilievre, who like previous CPC leaders, has attended many events tied to the Hindu community such as Navratri and Diwali in the past, singles out and punishes the vibrant and loyal Hindu diaspora in Canada. Diwali symbolizes goodness, unity and resilience, values that all Canadians hold dear. It is highly upsetting to witness politicians reap benefits from the Indo-Canadian community during election season, only to make exclusionary decisions afterward. 

For the past 23 years, Diwali has been celebrated on Parliament Hill by a wide range of Canadians whose identity is tied to Indian roots. There are over 850, 000 Hindus living in Canada from different parts of the world, forming a significant part of our multicultural social fabric. Cancelling Diwali celebrations that provide much-needed community engagement underscores a glaring lack of respect towards our community and our traditions. 

We demand that the Conservative Party of Canada take immediate measures to rectify this situation and demonstrate their commitment to honouring Canada's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

By registering YOUR voice, you are standing up against damaging political decisions that foster division and disrespect. When it comes to political issues between two countries, let the diplomats iron these issues out directly instead of punishing the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs who come together from all over the world to form the Indo-Canadian community as a whole and celebrate Diwali together.

Sanatan Hindu Vedic Dharm which believes in Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम The World Is One Family, Hatred for None, Love to all is our Sanskriti which also keeps right to protect own Dharm.

धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः ⁠। तस्माद् धर्मं न त्यजामि मा नो धर्मो हतोऽवधीत् ⁠।⁠। - Mahabharat He who sacrifices virtue is himself destroyed. And he that preserves it is himself preserved. I, therefore, do not sacrifice virtue, considering that if destroyed, it will destroy us.

Come next election, when you try to attend our events and address our communities with "Kem Chho, Sat Shree Akaal, & Namaskar" for your political gain, we will remember this moment in time where you disrespected and discriminated our community as a whole. 

Those who stand with community, community will stand with them respect is mutual. Shubh Deepawali.

Please sign this petition to ensure that our religious festivals like Diwali are respected and celebrated, echoing the true inclusive spirit of Canada.