Toronto: Ontario’s first and only South Asian cabinet minister, Harinder Singh Takhar, has returned from his fourth trip to India for the annual Bhartiya Parvasi Divas (BPD) conference in New Delhi. Takhar, who was invited to speak and participate in several panel discussions received several awards during his visit but said his main goal in attending the BPD each year was to bring forth the issues and concerns of the Indo-Canadian community.

“It is always nice to be recognized and receive awards but my real goal in attending these conferences is to relay to the India government how they can promote greater trade between India and also what the issues and concerns of Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are.”

This year Takhar was asked to speak specifically on the subject of Diaspora Interests and Concerns at the BPD conference and also on Trade opportunities between India and Canada for small and medium sized businesses. That session was organized by the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce.

“As a former entrepreneur and as the former Minister of Small and Medium sized business, I welcomed the opportunity share some of my thoughts on how Ontario small business can get in on the growth and rapid economic development going on in India.”

Takhar also raised the very important point that investors must have security and know that their property and investments are protected if India hopes to see greater investment from western and NRI entrepreneurs. 

Takhar’s comments to that effect were picked up and featured in major Indian newspapers as he was very straightforward and vocal yet diplomatic in raising the concerns that NRIs have about security of their investments.

“I commend the government of India for the progress they made and look forward to more positive developments on this front,” said Takhar.

Takhar also spoke of diaspora interests and concerns, starting off by educating the audience of the history of Indo-Canadians in Ontario and Canada. He spoke of the success they have achieved in all arena’s and their strong ties to the motherland.

The main issues he raised were those that are most commonly brought to his attention from his constituents and the community: fraudulent marriage, property issues and POI card issues. “I set out what they were in a very diplomatic way recognizing that the India government has a genuine desire to address these issues so there can be greater cooperation between the two nations,” said Takhar.

And finally, during his visit, Takhar received three major awards.

He received The Outstanding Punjabi Award at a gathering of Global Punjabis at the Hotel Le Meridian in Delhi. This award was presented by Maharani Preneet Kaur, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs and wife of former Punjab Chief Minister, Capt. Amarinder Singh and current Maharani of Patiala.

He also received the ‘Glory of India’ award on the Occasion of Global Friendship Day. The Award was presented Farooq Abdulla, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and  by Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik who is the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

He received also received a plaque in appreciation for his remarks and participation at the Bhartiya Parvasi Divas conference presented by Vikrmajit Singh Sahney, International President of the World Punjabi Organization and Co-Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Club of India.