BC-India Business Network’s (BCIBN) inaugural First Annual Grand Diwali Gala was a sold out event with BC Ministers Hon. Mike de Jong, Hon. Amrik Virk, Consul General Rajiv Kumar Chander; YVR Airport President & CEO Craig Richmond and Senior Vice President of Air Canada Kevin Howlett as guests of honour for the evening.
The gala held at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel was sponsored by Patron Members Air Canada, Vancouver International Airport; Platinum Sponsor Langara College, Silver Sponsors Maritime Services and Sprott Shaw College.
The event was hosted by well known media personality Sharad Khare.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Hon. Mike de Jong said Air Canada’s direct flight to New Delhi from Vancouver will only make BC-India economic, social and cultural ties stronger. “BC already engages greatly with India as far as business and cultural exchanges are concerned but considering the huge potential that exists, we can only forge stronger ties and steps such as this direct flight is one of them,” he said.
Vivek Savkur, Chairman Emeritus of BCIBN, Catherine A. Sas President and Douglas Nazareth Finance Director, BCIBN, welcomed the guests and talked about BCIBN’s significant role in ensuring that Air Canada establish a non stop flight route to New Delhi from Vancouver.
They thanked all the young volunteers and sponsors who made the evening a great success.
The guests also enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared for the occasion by Indian chefs, Karan Suri and Mridul Bhat. A great line up of entertainment especially the vibrant bhangra dancers from Langara College and Lana, a young Bollywood dancer, kept the guests entertained through the evening.