Ottawa: Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya, originally from Karnataka, has formally announced his candidacy to become Canada’s next Prime Minister.
In a historic move, Arya addressed the Canadian Parliament in his native language, Kannada, creating a moment of pride for Kannadigas worldwide.
Speaking about his roots, Arya said, "It is a proud moment for about 5 crore Kannadigas that a person from Shira taluk of Tumkur district in Karnataka has been elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada and is now speaking in Kannada in this esteemed institution."
Arya reminisced about the vibrant cultural activities of the Kannada diaspora in Canada, including the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations held in the Canadian Parliament in 2018.
He quoted lines from Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, honouring the literary legacy of Karnataka, and concluded with the heartfelt words, "May all be, may all be, may you always be Kannada," striking a chord with the global Kannada community.
Born in Shira taluk, Tumkur district, Arya’s journey to the political forefront of Canada reflects his dedication to inclusivity, cultural representation, and global cooperation. His campaign, based on values of diversity and unity, has garnered significant attention among the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Arya’s candidacy is being hailed as a milestone for India-origin individuals in global politics. By addressing the Canadian Parliament in Kannada, he demonstrated the importance of preserving cultural heritage while striving for international leadership.
Kannadigas and the larger Indian diaspora have lauded his initiative, viewing it as a source of inspiration for future generations.