Today, as I celebrate Diwali in Canada, I find myself reflecting on the rich, inclusive upbringing I had in India. Growing up, I attended a Christian convent school in Gurugram, where hymns filled our mornings, and visiting the school church was part of our daily routine. I felt equally at home in a mosque, listening to the soulful verses of Bulleh Shah, in temples, and in a gurudwara. For my parents, this was a profound expression of Hinduism’s core values—seeing all religions as paths to the same Supreme. India was, and still is, one of the most diverse, inclusive, and tolerant societies in the world. Every festival, regardless of faith, was a celebration for all, with school holidays honouring every major religious festival. As children, we celebrated Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid, and so many others—a true testament to unity in diversity. Now, seeing my children go to school on Diwali, I wonder: when will a day come when every kid will enjoy Diwali the way they do Christmas in Canada?
From the moment I arrived, Canada felt like home. This country shares values of diversity, inclusion, tolerance, and freedom—alongside its vast natural beauty and welcoming spirit. Here, acceptance and opportunity are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or background. Yet, this Diwali, I feel a profound sadness. Canada’s landscape is as beautiful as ever, but the social fabric feels frayed, almost unrecognizable. Who could fear the light? Only darkness. I read somewhere that no matter how dark the night, it takes only one matchstick to dispel that darkness. Darkness has no place in the presence of light; it is overcome, and that is why light instils fear wherever darkness resides. Is Diwali targeted for the same reason? Do dark forces find it too hard to exist in light? Why are Hindus constantly under attack despite giving their best wherever they are?
Canada faces serious foreign interference issues, but these challenges must not be weaponized by certain ideologies to unfairly target friendly and important allies like India, Canadians, and communities who cherish their roots. Canada stands to gain immensely by embracing the heritage, knowledge, networks, and resources immigrant communities bring. These connections bolster our diplomacy, create trade opportunities, and enrich Canadian society. Unfortunately, these very strengths are being misused by extremists who have infiltrated the system, twisting Canada’s values to suppress those they oppose.
The Hindu community in Canada has faced a series of distressing incidents, including the vandalism of temples, open threats, and challenges in political participation. Several Hindu temples across Canada have been defaced with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti, such as the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton and the Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton. These acts have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. In September 2023, a video circulated in which a pro-Khalistan group leader called for Hindus from India to leave Canada, accusing them of working against the country. Such statements have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among Hindu Canadians. Aspiring Hindu Canadian politicians have reported facing discrimination, with incidents of vandalism even targeting Hindu elected officials. Yet, the perceived silence from political parties across the spectrum has further exacerbated these concerns, leaving many in the community feeling unprotected.
The recent cancellation of Diwali on the Hill serves as a troubling example. This tradition, started by the late MP Deepak Obhrai and continued by MP Todd Doherty, was suddenly cancelled without explanation. The Leader of the Opposition, who should stand for Canadian values, appears to have yielded to forces that undermine one of Canada’s largest cultural celebrations. This decision has left Hindu Canadians feeling sidelined, signaling that our voices and heritage can be dismissed. It’s unsettling how nuisance tactics seem to outweigh values that benefit Canada. Damage control efforts by Conservatives may follow, but they won’t have real meaning until they address the root cause of why this happened—identifying those who pushed divisive agendas to alienate the Hindu community and undermine a positive celebration like Diwali. This moment calls for introspection within all parties to identify miscreants who play into divisive politics instead of building harmony and bridges within our communities.
Diwali is more than a religious festival; it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. What does Diwali, or the Hindu community, have to do with the diplomatic tensions between Canada and India? Why would anyone choose to alienate over a million Hindu Canadians and nearly 2.1 million Indo-Canadians who have a deep connection to this celebration? The Hindu community, known for its dedication and positive impact on Canadian society, deserves recognition. This is also a reminder for our community to lend their support wisely—to politicians with a strong moral compass who prioritize Canada’s greater good over appeasement or diaspora politics.
Look to the south, and you’ll see many of the world’s most successful companies shaped by individuals with a strong Indian value system, including Hindu Canadians and Indo-Canadians. This community has not only integrated into Canadian life but has enriched it, driving innovation and meaningful change. Diwali on the Hill may be just one event, but its cancellation speaks volumes about the insensitivity directed at a community whose values align with Canada’s commitment to unity and diversity.
Let us remember that Canada’s true strength lies in its diversity. We should be fostering inclusivity, not allowing divisive ideologies to undermine the very communities that make Canada strong. This Diwali, let us renew our commitment to unity, understanding, and the
principles that make both India and Canada unique and resilient. The light of Diwali is needed now more than ever—to bring clarity, compassion, and respect back into our shared spaces.
Happy Diwali and light in everyone’s life.
Ritesh Malik is an entrepreneur, a first-generation immigrant to Canada and Chair of Canada India Foundation. This personal essay was published with the author’s permission. Views are personal.