JANUARY 9 marked the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) and it was observed on the same day by the Chetna Association of Canada in Vancouver.

The chief guest was Indian Consul general Manish, while the guest of honour was Amarjeet Kaypee, former renowned cricketer who scored 7,623 runs for the Ranji Trophy in India. Kaypee is on a personal visit in Canada and is being welcomed by the diaspora and lovers of cricket, including Anil Khanna of BC Cricket Club.

Both Manish and Kaypee were recognized and appreciated for their contributions by the Chetna Association of Canada represented by Jai Birdi, Surjit Bains, Jai Bains, Subhash Chander and Ambedkarite International Coordination Society’s Vice President Param Kainth. Anil Khanna and former cricket player Harry Kalkat were also present.

Manish and his team were recognized and appreciated for their tireless service to the diaspora and Canadians through consular, commerce, education, and cultural activities.

Kaypee was honored for his contributions to cricket and promoting fraternity and nation building through sports.

Sonia West, a member of Chetna’s Empowerment Committee, welcomed Manish with sweets and a package of ‘mungfali and revadeenas’, a gesture of renewal and new beginnings, an appropriate gift for the Lohri, celebrated as a folk festival in Punjab around January 13 every year.

Manish expressed his greetings and gratitude to people of Indian origin for making contributions in various fields, including administration, commerce, trade, health care, and the service industry.  Kaypee also congratulated the diaspora for their contributions to Canada as well as India.

On behalf of the Consulate General, Manish presented Jai Birdi, General Secretary of Chetna Association of Canada, with a shawl as a gesture of respect and appreciation for increasing awareness and enhancing inclusion.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated in India to mark the contributions of ‘non-residents of India’ to the development of India and to strengthen ties between India and the global Indian community.