PANORAMA India, celebrated the 61st Republic Day of India at the Pearson Convention Centre on January 31st, 2010. The event was jointly organised in association with the Consulate General of India, in Toronto to showcase India’s unique cultural unity in diversity. The day- long celebrations were conducted in a spirit of camaraderie that continues to motivate and inspire thousands of Indo-Canadians who call GTA their new home and who wish to remain in touch with their cultural roots and heritage in India .

Ms.Kala Pillarisetty, Co-chair of Panorama India, welcomed the guests and said events such as these serve not only as occasions of celebration to the Indo-Canadian communities, but offer an opprtunity to pass on the traditions and heritage to the younger generation.

India and Canda enjoy close friendly ties. As two vibrant democracies, India and Canada share several commonalities of pluralism, tolerance and diversity. In a special message to Panorama India, read out by his special envoy MP Bob Dechert, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that “Canada stands besides India as a steadfast and faithful friend”. Advocating even stronger economic relations between Canada and India , the Canadian Prime Minister stated that Canada and India must forge stronger trade, investment and educational ties to build a more productive friendship. Outlining the many historical, cultural, social and economic ties between the two countries, Harper said, “These bonds are a solid foundation upon which we can build an even stronger, more productive friendship” and sought greater participation from the Indo-Canadian community in the economic development.

More than 10,000 people participated in the Panorama India`s Indian Mela and the 61st Republic Day celebrations. Crowds began to throng into the hall well before the scheduled time 11 a.m. to get the best seats in the house. Over 300 minutes of non-stop programming witnessed unprecedented participation, mainly from the second generation Indo-Canadians , which kept the audience enthralled and entertained.

Several political dignitaries attended the event including the Ontario Minister for Government Services, Mr. Harinder Takhar, Mississauga Mayor Mrs. Hazel McCallion, former Deputy Premier of Ontario Mr George Smithermann, Members of Parliament Gurbaksh Malhi, Dr Ruby Dhalla, Kristy Duncan, Bonnie Crombie and MPPs Mr.Bob Delaney, Mr.Vic Dhillon & Ms. Amrit Mangat . They were joined by the newly appointed and the first Indo-Canadian Senator Vim Kochhar, Dr. Alok Mukherjee , Chair of the Toronto Police Board and Consul General Mrs. Preeti Saran. Messages from Leader of the opposition Mr. Michael Ignatief and Ontario Premier Mr. Dalton McGuinty were also read to the audience.

The highlight of the day was the selection of the first Panorama India Indian Idol. After more than a month of planning and after 3 elimination rounds, the judges and the audience crowned Ferzana Bohra as the First Idol. And Anusha Shivalingam, was the runner-up. The audience were on their feet during the grand finale, performed by Melange Entertainment Group accompanied by the top 10 Idol finalists.

In his vote of thanks, Panorama India’s Co-chair Ajit Khanna, said “‘Panorama India, which organised the event, strives to showcase Indian culture and strengthen ties between the various cultural organisations of India in Canada as well as strengthens ties between the two countries. Today’s event, a record breaker for Panorama India, helped generate a tremendous amount of pride for both the participants and the 10,000 strong audience. “