PREMIER David Eby, alongside his MLA colleagues, hosted more than one hundred guests, comprised of Punjabi community leaders representing a wide range of networks, at a Vaisakhi tea held at a Surrey banquet hall on Friday, April 17.
The gathering was organized with the intention of fostering meaningful connection during an auspicious time of year, recognizing Vaisakhi and Sikh Heritage Month, and creating space to hear directly from community members. Attendees were encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas on how to better support and strengthen the broader community.
Remarks were delivered by Eby, Attorney General Niki Sharma, Minister Jessi Sunner, and Speaker Raj Chouhan. Sunner spoke about the enduring legacy of the Sikh community and reflected on the teachings she holds close as a Sikh woman. Chouhan, meanwhile, expressed deep gratitude to the generations of community leaders who paved the way before him, acknowledging their role in his journey to becoming the first Indo-Canadian Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
Also in attendance, showing their support and engagement, were Minister Ravi Kahlon, Minister Ravi Parmar, Minister Jagrup Brar, Parliamentary Secretary Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary Garry Begg, and MLA Rohini Arora.
As part of the program, attendees were invited to pause and reflect on Sikh cultural heritage through a musical performance by Naad Arts Centre, a local educational and cultural institution based in Surrey. The ensemble performed an instrumental rendition of Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Eha, featuring Dr. Bruce Harding on flute, Sukhjinder Sandhu on guitar, Surinder Khaira on djembe, Amarjeet Singh on tabla, and Baljit Singh on dilruba.
Founded in 2006, Naad Arts Centre was established with the aim of preserving and promoting the rich traditions of music, dance, and literature. Continuing this mission, the organization will host its 20th Naad Festival of Music and Dance next month, alongside the Naad Youth Festival on May 10 and Rhythmic Remembrance on May 16, further contributing to the vibrancy and continuity of cultural expression within the community.
April is also the month where the Province of British Columbia issued an official proclamation recognizing Sikh Heritage Month, affirming that “the government of British Columbia recognizes the important contributions that Sikhs have made and continue to make to the province’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric.” The proclamation further emphasizes that Sikh Heritage Month serves as a vital opportunity to celebrate the aspirations of Sikh communities while educating future generations about this rich and diverse heritage.
