Community leaders meet with top military general

A group of community leaders spearheaded by publisher and community organiser, Harbinder Singh Sewak, joined dozens of business elites and military officers in welcoming the Chief of Defense Staff in downtown Vancouver last week.
This was a first for the Sikh community members to meet and greet with the highest ranking military officer in Canada.
In his press conference speech, General T.J. Lawson, reiterated his commitment for outreach to Canada’s diverse communities. He also spoke of ISIS, the latest threat in the Middle East and domestic radicalization, by which two soldiers were recently killed in Quebec and Ottawa.
He also noted that the Sikh community’s outpouring of sympathy helped the military and civilian population overcome the nation’s collective grief and bolster Canadian unity.
The community leaders were invited for their contribution in forging a better relationship with the military.
Harbinder Singh Sewak who initiated this program five years ago said, "We are proud that the highest ranking military officer is acknowledging our efforts. So many in the community have worked together to make this happen."
Sewak, is also the chair of the Canada Military Sikh Community Liaison.
The delegates were hosted on the vessel HMMS Vancoouver at Canada Place, including Harinder Toor - President of Punjab Food, Tejinder Kaur - Business Development Officer for Dicks Lumber, Harpreet Singh - Media Producer and Devinder Dhani - President of Nirvana Restaurant.
On military issues pertaining to Asia, General Lawson said, "We are confident that countries around the region will resolve disputed territories and boundaries thru negotiation. Canada is committed to working with Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and China to see this does not flare up into a conflict."
Thanks to its Pacific Pivot foreign policy shift, the US now maintains an increased military presence in the region General Lawson was promoted to his current rank and appointed as the Canadian Armed Forces' Chief in 2012.
General Lawson expressed appreciation for the Sikh community’s initiative to create the 3300 Bhai Kanhaiya Cadet corp based in Surrey. He was also briefed on the first military meet and greet in Calgary, Alberta and the planning of a cadet corp in Calgary by the Sikh community under The Friends of the Sikh Cadet Society.
Devinder Dhani said that such meeting is crucial for the community as many young Sikh children were wanting to join the military as their forefathers. 
Harpreet Singh, the influential media personality pointed out the sacrifices of the 60,000 Sikh soldiers who died in the first and second World Wars, a contribution that is finally being recognized.
"We are proud Canadians and we want to make sure that our children know about the military contribution and sacrifice, in making Canada safe" said Harinder Toor.

Photo caption: (from left) Harinder Toor, Davinder Dhani, General Lawson, Harpreet Singh, Harbinder SIngh Sewak.

Leave a comment
FACEBOOK TWITTER