Staying Positive in Times of Stress

Hello friends.

The month of June was a shocker for many of us. No, it is not the heat wave that I am referring to. But something equally incendiary. The honourable parliament of Canada observed a moment of silence on June 18, in honour of a slain ‘leader’ of a small section of Canadian population. Without going too deep into the merits or otherwise of the act, it was a political spectacle that speaks of the current state of our polity and the immoral compulsions that drive such events. Mind you, there was no Moment observed for those who perished in Israel or when the subsequent war has claimed thousands more on the other side. But the entire political machinery of Canada succumbed to an overblown incident where a man designated as a terrorist in another country gains access and power within Canada and he is subsequently allegedly killed by men, ironically fleeing from the law in that same foreign country, but conveniently slipped in and found refuge within Canada. Some might say that a real investigation into these events should start and end within the Canadian power brokers.

To rub salt over the wound, the parliament observed this moment of silence just a week away from the anniversary of the horrendous Air India bombing in which 329 innocents perished, an act carried out by the moral guardians of the slain ‘leader’.

Our political leaders are vested with the responsibility of keeping the peace and delivering justice with an even hand. The actions of many of them may seem to counter those lofty ideals. The good intentions of some of them might also be sacrificed in the face of intense pressure brought on by the demands of electoral rivalry. The old dictum of ‘divide and rule’ seems to hold sway in local politics. The implications are ominous. The level of violence that is on display in the name of freedom of speech can easily metastasize into an internal security issue. We don’t want another Kanishka tragedy ever again to mar the fair name of Canada.

These are painful times for most of us in the community who are trying to stay calm and nonpartisan and not play into the hands of the trouble- makers. These also can be viewed as outright provocations meant to sow the seeds of disaffection among an otherwise affectionate section of people. That is why it is especially important for us not to get dragged into these discussions too much. Confrontation and further alienation might just be what these agents of provocation wish for. Let us resolve not to give in and fall prey to their machinations. Let us continue to trust in the wisdom of the nation we call our home and its people. Sometimes, there is a disconnect between the people and their so-called representatives. This unfortunately is one such.

While I do not want to make light of the incident that has caused so much heartache, as Canadians first, this must be accepted as another challenge to be countered with facts, and not emotions. We know who is driving what and why? That’s all we need to keep in mind. In the meanwhile, let us resolve to keep the peace within our community and extend our friendship to our neighbours.

The Moment of Silence also got an extra boost against the background of the ongoing investigations into foreign interference. While India has been appended to it at the last minute, most security experts agree that India’s interference if at all it can be called that, is insignificant when compared to another much larger player. And yet an attempt is being made to create a false equivalency between them. We strongly urge a political system totally free of such interference. At the same time, shouldn’t we, in the interest of natural justice and Canada’s standing in the world as a fair arbiter, discourage those forces active in our own soil, and often handheld by powerful foreign players well-known for their hostility towards India. So, we not only have foreign interference, but wholesale hijacking of influential political factions within Canada to serve the geopolitical ambitions of their foreign masters. A real investigation will dig deep and reveal the depth of influence that foreign entities have over our political system.

We need to clean out these elements forthwith from our society and government. We at Canada India Foundation have always held the view that for us Canada’s welfare comes first. We stick by this commitment all the time. At the same time, as an organization dedicated to helping build the best possible relationship between our democracies, we have a duty to point out the aberrations that act as speed breakers hindering our path forward. We also have an additional responsibility to reflect on the emotions and fears of our own community here. Over the decades, we have become a model as a productive, peaceful and loyal immigrant community. Nothing or no one should be allowed to shatter this wonderful stature our community has earned through hard work and peaceful coexistence.

I want to send a strong and urgent message to friends within our community as well as all Canadians, to unite and raise your voice against all extremist ideologies that are creeping into our backyard. We must use Canadian soil only to grow the most productive of crops, and not the dangerous weeds that kill all other species.

We have many challenges to overcome. Canada’s economy could do with innovative ideas and attention. Canada India Foundation continues to harp on the importance of Canada and India finalizing an economic partnership agreement because we believe that it would be good for India, and perhaps even better for Canada. That means us, all forty-one million of us who live here.

Irrespective of the negative forces at work, we are optimistic that Canada and India will soon be on the level and forge a steady path toward building a mutually rewarding and respectful relationship. The most recent meeting between our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was both respectful and honest. Trudeau said following the meeting, “I think one of the good things about these summits is that you get an opportunity to engage directly with a huge range of various leaders with whom there are various issues. And certainly, with India, there are massive people to people ties, there are really important economic ties, there’s alignment on a number of big issues that we need to work together as democracies, as a global community.” Trudeau’s words reflect optimism and is clear indication of the possibilities ahead. There is so much we have in common and can share to create prosperity for the people here and there. Even at the most stressed state, let us keep this mantra in mind.

Thank you