Welcome Reception in honour of Mr. Rungsung, Consul General of India (Vancouver),
hosted at Simon Fraser University by the Chetna Association of Canada -August 6
THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK-
Burnaby (August 6, 2024)- The Chetna Association of Canada hosted welcome reception for the new consul general of India on August 6 at Simon Fraser University’s WAC Bennett Library in Burnaby. The Chief Librarian, Ms. Gwen Bird, conveyed her welcome remarks and described the history of the partnership between the Chetna Association of Canada, the SFU Libraries, and its partners for accomplishing its goals and mission.
CG Rungsung expressed his gratitude to the organizers and the library; explained the impact of independence on India and colonial rulers; and, shared his perspectives on how the Fathers of India such as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar worked towards the common goal of emancipation, even though they had their differences on a number of fronts.CG Rungsung also offered to facilitate the donation of books on India by the Indian authors and suggested the library designate “India Section” in the library to display books on India.
Surjit Bains, treasurer with Chetna Association of Canada, introduced CG Rungsung and shared gratitude for his services in a variety of roles with the Indian Government.
Jyotika Jasuja, member of the Women’s Empowerment Committee of Chetna, also welcomed CG Rungsung and sang the patriarch song, “Ae mere watan ke logo” (https://youtu.be/Wvr8sX5-T_8?
Special guest for the occasion was famous Punjabi singer Kanth Kaler who also welcomed CG Rungsung and sang a couple of lines from his song on Dr. Ambedkar, “Jai Bheem Jai Bheem” (https://youtu.be/UhrXqkDwmRU?
Past president of the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) was also present at the reception.
Photos by: Sukhdeep Bhatti
