DEVINDER Shory, MP (Calgary Northeast), expressed his appreciation to Rakesh Jaswal, Rakesh Narula, Rajnish Sharma, Inderpal Saini, and Rakesh Chopra from the Hindu Youth Volunteers of Calgary, and Ranjan Kumar, Gopal Saini, Pankaj Garg, and Gaurav Jain from Indian Cultural Association of Calgary, for demonstrating solidarity with their fellow Canadians during Diwali celebrations this past week.

Shory attended celebrations with the Hindu Youth Volunteers of Calgary on Friday and again with the Indian Cultural Association of Calgary on Saturday in two separate events, leading candlelight vigils in honour of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who were killed in recent terrorist attacks.  Both Diwali events clearly condemned the acts of terrorism that were committed in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa by radicalized individuals.

“I am proud that the community enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to come together to demonstrate solidarity in a time of national grief, and condemn the acts of terrorism perpetrated on our Canadian military and our Parliament”, said Shory.  “I would like to specially thank Sanjeev Nagpal, and Pawan Plaha who provided candles for the vigil during the ICA event on Saturday.”

Congratulating the community on the celebration of the sacred festival of Diwali, Shory said during the ICA vigil:

“Diwali is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair and good over evil. In light of recent events, I wholeheartedly agree with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent remarks at the Diwali celebrations in Toronto where he said: ‘Today many places in the world face darkness and that is precisely why we need to celebrate Diwali. For Diwali reminds us that light always casts out darkness. The truth always dispels ignorance and fear.’”