Canadian MP Chandra Arya, of Indian heritage, raised the Hindu flag, a saffron triangle bearing the sacred symbol ‘Om,’ outside Canada’s Parliament in honor of November’s Hindu Heritage Month. Arya, a strong advocate for Hindu rights, noted that this marks his third flag-raising since 2022. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Hindu Canadians’ cultural contributions, calling for greater Hindu participation in Canadian politics, as they remain “underrepresented.”
Celebrating Hindu Heritage Month is a time to honor the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual traditions of Hinduism in Canada, where Hindu Canadians represent the third-largest religious community. Arya, outspoken against Khalistani extremism, praised Hindu Canadians as “one of the most successful communities in Canada,” contributing significantly to society and the economy. In a tweet, he stated, “A new era for Hindus in Canada has begun,” encouraging his community to engage more in the democratic process.
We raised the Hindu flag with our sacred symbol Aum on parliament hill grounds to mark the beginning of the Hindu Heritage Month this November.
As mentioned when I raised the flag for the first time in 2022, a new era for Hindus in Canada has begun.
We are one the most educated… pic.twitter.com/s9ejk7MiN7— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 1, 2024
The event followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Diwali message, in which he praised the Indo-Canadian community’s contributions and assured support for Hindu Canadians’ safety and freedom to practice their faith.
Arya has previously spoken out against vandalism of Hindu temples by pro-Khalistan groups in Canada. In response to a recent threat from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based pro-Khalistan leader, Arya affirmed, “Canada is our land,” underscoring Hindu Canadians’ commitment to the country. The statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India over the death of pro-Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar.