East Indian community in Sudbury united, despite tensions in GTA
The India Canada Association held a press conference in Sudbury on Friday morning to reassure the public that clashes, violence and tensions in the Greater Toronto Area involving Sikh and Hindu communities are not happening here.
Members of the East Indian community in Sudbury who are Sikh or Hindu gathered at Tom Davies Square to share a message with the entire community.
The India Canada Association held a press conference in Sudbury on Friday morning to reassure the public that clashes, violence and tensions in the Greater Toronto Area involving Sikh and Hindu communities are not happening here. (Alana Everson/CTV News)
"Mainly to assure the community of Sudbury that we have no religious fights between the Hindus and Sikhs in this community or any other religion," said Dr. Rayudu Koka, president of the India Canada Association of Sudbury.
"We work in harmony, live in harmony together. We go to each other’s functions, support each other in the community and we have no problems like what you are seeing in southern Ontario."
"In Sudbury, we just want to spread the same message that we are one and everybody has the right to practise their own religion but that doesn’t mean we can harm the other person," said Karan Badhesha, director of Canadian Khalsa Darbar.
"Everybody matters and we are one."
In Greater Sudbury, there is one Hindu temple and two Sikh Gurdwaras.
Officials said there are more than 300 Sikhs and more than 1,000 Hindus living in Sudbury. That figure doesn't include more than 2,000 international students from India who are studying here.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
"I just want the community to be reassured in the neighbourhood where there are temples or Gurdwaras not to worry about anything," Koka said.
"We are all one together -- that’s why we got all the community leaders from both the groups to be here together."
Also at Friday's news conference, officials from the police and the city stressed that Sudbury is an inclusive community where violence will not be tolerated and where respect and diversity are valued.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal man dead after boat explodes in Fort Lauderdale
A Montreal man is dead and several others are injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut
"It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it."
Second storm incoming for Christmas Day in southern B.C.
Environment Canada has issued a new series of weather warnings for British Columbia’s south coast Christmas morning.
Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms and overcome divisions in Christmas address
Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged 'all people of all nations' to find courage during this Holy Year 'to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions' plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.
What is Christmas like for Quebec health-care workers who stay on the job?
Most Quebecers get together with family and friends on Christmas Eve, but many professions require people to remain on the job at all times, including health-care workers.