The Indian Tricolour soared high above the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton as Panorama India celebrated India’s 75th Republic Day on Jan. 28, 2023.
Panorama India, established in 1999 with the support of the Consulate General of India, is a non-profit organization that unites various Indian cultural associations in Canada.
This open event took place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and included a flag-hoisting ceremony, speeches from dignitaries, and cultural competitions.
Milan Verma, spokesperson for Panorama, said they organize Indian Independence and Republic Day celebrations annually and this will be their 25th year.
“We have jobs and after that, we come together, and everybody is very supportive,” she said.
Siddhartha Nath, the Consulate General of India in Toronto and a guest at the event, acknowledged the efforts put in by the Indian community within Canada to retain their culture.
“The Republic Day event is a celebration of the contribution of the Indo-Canadians who contribute to the development of Canada and India as well,” Nath said.
He said cultural events like Panorama Republic Day have an impact on diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
“Anything that we can do to remember the contribution of the community here indirectly strengthens the bilateral relationship,” Nath said. “Finally, every diplomatic relationship is based on the fundamentals of trade, economics and investment, but also, very importantly, people-to-people contact.”
Nina Tangri, MPP for Mississauga-Streetsville and the associate minister of Small Business, was in attendance at the event and has a personal connection to India.
“It makes me proud to say that I am a descendant of India. I can understand my culture and continue it with my children,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the Panorama Idol Competition which showcased folk dances from different Indian states.
Dance performers representing the state of Tamil Nadu. Photo credit: Aditya Kapoor
Shraddha Pari, a cancer researcher at the University of Toronto and participant in the competition, said she has a longstanding association with Panorama.
“I’ve been a part of Panorama since school. It has been supportive in the expat community,” she said.
Vidhushi Rahi won the open-for-all-ages art competition conducted at the event.
The event included a Cultural Segment where children were dressed up as famous Indian personalities.
Sarthak Khillaari, a high school student and one of the volunteers at the event, said he volunteers for the joy of learning and helping the community.
“I found out about this event through my parents. They said you might as well volunteer to learn more about culture and help the community,” Khillaari said.