The 77th Republic Day Reception was hosted by the Consul General of India in Vancouver at the South Hall Banquet Hall on 25 January, 2026. The reception was attended by more than 350 guests, including dignitaries from the provincial government, Members of the Legislative Assembly, city councillors, senior officials, consular representatives, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the ethnic media, academicians, and Indian diaspora.The programme commenced with the rendition of the national anthems of India and Canada.
Consul General of India, Mr. Masakui Rungsung, warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, the Honourable Niki Sharma, British Columbia’s Deputy Premier and Attorney General; Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Raj Chauhan; along with Ms. Susie Chant, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services; Ms. Sunita Dhir, Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials; MLA for Burnaby East Rohini Arora and other distinguished political representatives.
In his remarks, Consul General Rungsung observed that the Indian Constitution represents a civilizational choice—to build a modern nation without severing its ancient roots. He spoke about the country’s enduring ethos of tolerance, universal acceptance, and the guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. He also highlighted India’s significant achievements in the fields of space, defence, and technology.
In his address, the Consul General also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora in Canada and noted that India and Canada share many common values that can serve as pillars for mutual progress. He emphasized the importance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada in 2025 to attend G20 Summit, which marked a reset in bilateral relations and opened new avenues for cooperation.
In her address, Honourable Niki Sharma noted that British Columbia is home to around 400,000 people of Indian descent, who have embraced Canadian values while preserving their cultural traditions and roots. She highlighted their meaningful contributions to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic fabric. Referring to growing economic ties, she stated that bilateral trade between British Columbia and India reached nearly CAD 2.1 billion last year and is expected to rise further, reflecting shared interests and expanding opportunities in sectors such as technology and biotechnology.
The program also featured cultural performance by various artists and dance schools.
