Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a heartfelt gesture of unity and respect, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa on the occasion of Baisakhi, accompanied by his wife, Diana Carney. The couple participated in traditional seva (selfless service) by helping prepare and serve Langar, the community meal, to mark the auspicious day.
The visit was part of the celebrations of Baisakhi, which also commemorates Khalsa Sajna Diwas, the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, a significant day in Sikh history. Carney and his wife were seen donning traditional head coverings and humbly engaging in community service inside the Langar Hall alongside volunteers and devotees.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister shared a short video of his visit and wrote: “It was an honour to do seva at the Ottawa Sikh Society this morning — community and service are at the heart of today’s celebration. Diana and I want to wish a very happy Vaisakhi to all the Sikh Canadians celebrating across the country.”
The gesture was warmly received by the Sikh community across Canada and beyond, with social media filled with messages of appreciation for the Prime Minister’s inclusive leadership and recognition of Sikh heritage.
Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India, and Baisakhi holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for the community. PM Carney’s participation in the celebrations is being viewed as a strong message of diversity, inclusiveness, and respect for multiculturalism, values that are foundational to Canadian identity.
As the sound of kirtan (devotional hymns) echoed through the Gurdwara and the scent of Langar filled the air, the presence of the nation’s leader among worshippers symbolized a deep bond between leadership and people, especially on a day that celebrates equality, service, and community spirit.
