BC-IBN Directors and volunteers.

Vancouver: The BC-India Business Network, held it’s 3rd Grand Diwali Gala at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel this past Saturday, October 13.

The sold out event was attended by prominent members of the business and political community, with musical interludes composed by Grammy Award Winner and Conservationist Ricky Kej.

The guests included Honourable Abhilasha Joshi, Consul General of India in Vancouver; Honorable Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology; Randeep Sarai, MP, Honorable Andrew Petter, President & Vice Chancellor of the Simon Fraser University and Marvin Hunt, MLA, all of whom addressed the jubilant audience.

To mark the occasion of Dassera and Diwali, a colourful ballet “The Goddess and the Demon” was artistically presented by SGR Communications under the direction of Sumita Roy, Vice President of Events at BC-IBN. The ballet was based on the legendary battle between the demon Mahishasura and the Goddess Durga which kept the Diwali theme of winning Good over evil, which brought wide audience acclaim. There were also sizzling Bollywood dance performances by Andaz Entertainment.

The buffet dinner was specially prepared by Executive Chef Karan Suri of the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Fine Organic Wines were sponsored by husband wife duo Karnail and Narinder Sidhu of Kalala Organic Wines, Kelowna.

The exciting draw for two premium economy class tickets to India was presented by James Howey of Air Canada by Air Canada, who also announced daily non-stop flights from Vancouver to Delhi with effect from 2nd June 2019. The direct non-stop flights between Vancouver and India, will tie BC and India closer commercially and culturally.

This perhaps was the best Grand Diwali Gala, organized by BC-India Business Network thus far, which had a colourful ambience, delightful food, classic wines and superb entertainment.  It was an evening to remember.

Photos: Midda Photography.

(L to R): Stephen Dooley, Executive Director of SFU Surrey Campus, Vivek Savkur, President of BC-IBN, Hon. Bruce Ralston, MLA.
Consul General of India to Vancouver, Abhilasha Joshi.
Hon. Randeep Sarai, MP.
The Goddess and the Demon Ballet being performed by SGR Communications.