Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Toronto - Slideshow
2011 is being celebrated as the Year of India in Canada and many events have been organised throughout the year to mark the celebrations. On June 9-10, a 2-day convention, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBDCanada 2011), for the Indian diaspora and people of Indian origin residing in North America and the Caribbean countries was held in Toronto. More than 1,000 people attended the inaugural and other sessions of the Convention.
Participants at one of the sessions at PBDCanada 2011

The Indian delegation was led by H.E. Mrs. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs. Other dignitaries from India who attended the Convention were Hon'ble Mr. Arun Maira, Member, Planning Commission, Hon'ble Mr. M. K. Raghavan, Member of Parliament, Hon'ble Mr. K. Sudhakaran, Member of Parliament, H.E. Mr. S.M. Gavai, High Commissioner of India to Canada, Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan. A 40-member business delegation from India was also part of the Indian delegation.

Right Honourable Governor General David Johnston and Honourable Premier Dalton McGuinty graced the occasion and attended the inaugural session followed by dinner and a cultural programme at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 9, 2011. Mr Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade & Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway attended the inaugural Seminar on Business Opportunities Between India and Canada on the first day of PBD Canada 2011. Canadian High Commissioner to India Mr. Stewart Beck was also present and participated in the Convention on both days.

Several MPs, MPPs, prominent members of the Indian diaspora from North America and the Caribbean countries attended the inaugural session and also participated as speakers in different sessions. Above all, the most distinguished members of the vibrant Indo-Canadian community participated in the convention.

By all accounts, PBD Canada 2011 was a resounding success and recognised so for its organisation, participation and attendance. Hon'ble Minister Mrs Preneet Kaur said this was "the best PBD" that she had attended.

More information would soon be available at: www.pbdcanada.com and at Consulate General's Facebook Page at: www.facebook.com/IndianConsulateToronto