Toronto (11 February, 2019): Panorama India celebrated the 70th India Republic Day on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Pearson Convention Center, Brampton. The event united the local Indian community through celebrating the diversity of Indo-Canadians in Canada.
Overwhelming support for the event was garnered by community leaders, political dignitaries and sponsors, all of whom came together to celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day. Attendees included the Consul General of India in Toronto, Dinesh Bhatia, Federal Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, MP Ruby Sahota, MP Ramesh Sangha, MP Bob Soraya, MPP Nina Tangri, MPP Deepak Anand, MPP Amarjot Sidhu, Mayor of Mississauga Bonnie Crombie and Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown.
The program consisted of 20 community organizations of which 200 local performers were given the Panorama India Platform. These groups showcased talent in all forms of artistic expression such as dancing, singing and drawing.
Opening ceremony commenced at 12pm with Republic Day greetings and poignant messages from dignitaries. Panorama India Chair, Anu Srivastava welcomed everyone and recognized the political dignitaries, community leaders, and guests. She said “Unity in Diversity and building Indo Canada bi-lateral relations through culture is the prime objective of this celebration.”
Consul General of India Mr. Dinesh Bhatia enthusiastically addressed the crowd and brought the Republic Day greetings on behalf of the President of India. Consul General emphasized his appreciation for the Indian Diaspora in Toronto and gave a recap of the past three years in Toronto.
Dr. Kirsty Duncan, Federal Minister of Science, began with a greeting to all in Hindi. She talked about the family values that are reflected in the Indo-Canadian community here in Canada.
MPP Nina Tangri brought greetings from Premier Doug Ford and was joined on stage by MPP Deepak Anand and MPP Amarjot Sidhu.
Mayor Patrick Brown reiterated his enthusiasm and support for India stating that he visited India eighteen times and is amazed with the cultural diversity.
Mayor Bonnie Crombie spoke eloquently and greeted the audience.
Ramesh Chotai was felicitated at the official opening ceremony by Chair Anu Srivastava and Consul General of India Dinesh Bhatia for receiving the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President of India Ram Nath Kovind at the PBD held in Varanasi in January.
Panorama India celebrations highlight the diversity of India through many dance and musical performances which included folk dance competition, drawing competition for children, food court and Vendor Bazaar with a variety of clothes, food, and jewelry booths.
Folk-Dance Competition was judged by Parth Dani, Vaishali Panwar and Puja Amin. Fourteen cultural organisations representing the various States of India participated with gusto. Team Gladiators (Kerala) won the First prize by performing their traditional dance style Thiruvathira.1st runner up: Haryana’s Pride_Tokni and 2nd runner up: Versatile Group_Koli dance
Neerja Trehan announced the winners of the Children’s Drawing Competition. The competition had an overwhelming response this year with over 100 entries this year from children between the ages of 7-16 years old.
The extremely popular Panorama India Idol contest received a tremendous representation from local artists during its preliminary selection rounds on January 20th , 2019.
Panorama India Idol Contest was judged by a panel of eminent personalities Seema Bhatia, Rajendra Dixit and Manoj Chaman.
SBI Canada Bank sponsored the Indian Idol contest and the finalists were chosen that day by an eager audience who casted their vote for their favourite singer. The Junior Idol contest was won by Unnati Shah and Ravneel Singh was declared the winner in the Adult category. Prize for Adult winner is trip to India by the Consulate General of India.
Vice Chair, Sumeeta Kohli wrapped up the evening and made special acknowledgments to SBI Canada Bank, Paystation Inc., Galway Foundation, CIBC, Roop Mahal Jewellers and Media Partner ATN, Y Media, Vendors, Cultural & Community Organizations, Participants and Volunteers.
Panorama Chair, Anu Srivastava concluded the event by thanking all attendees and stakeholders in making the event successful with 5,000+ people during the day by the Indian Diaspora in the GTA.
Panorama India will be hosting the India Day Festival & Grand Parade at Nathan Phillips Square on August 18th, 2019.
For more info, visit their website: www.panoramaindia.org or Email: info@panoramaindia.org
