India Day 2026
India (Republic) Day 2026
Date & Time
Feb-15-2026 | 2:00pm-5:30pm
At 11455 87 Ave NW Edmonton
Unity of India: In the Context of the Mission and Vision of the Council of India Societies of Edmonton (CISE)
The mission of the Council of India Societies of Edmonton (CISE) is to strengthen India’s national unity, social harmony, and democratic values. It strives to build a society where every citizen—regardless of religion, caste, or region—feels like a partner in the nation’s progress.
India is one of the most unique countries in the world, characterized by an extraordinary diversity of languages, religions, communities, and cultures. Despite this diversity, India has stood for centuries as an indivisible and united nation. “Unity in Diversity” is not merely India’s identity but it’s very soul, providing the country with inner strength.
In India, people of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and many other faiths live together in harmony. Each religion has enriched the social and cultural fabric of the country. Mutual respect, tolerance, and a spirit of brotherhood have bound Indian society together with strong threads of unity.
These qualities make India a truly distinctive nation on the global stage.Linguistic diversity is also an important element of India’s unity. Hundreds of languages and dialects are spoken across the country, yet this diversity has never hindered India’s integrity. On the contrary, it has strengthened the nation’s cultural richness and given new dimensions to national unity.
The strongest foundation of India’s unity is the Constitution of India. The Constitution guarantees equal rights, freedom, and justice to all citizens. It rejects discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, or language and promotes social harmony. Constitutional values form the solid foundation of Indian democracy and national unity.
In this context, the role of the Council of India Societies of Edmonton (CISE) is highly significant. CISE’s primary objective is to reinforce India’s national unity, social harmony, and democratic values. Its goal is to create a community where every individual feels like a stakeholder in the nation’s progress.
Through various social, cultural, and educational initiatives, CISE works to connect people with one another. The organization promotes patriotism, mutual cooperation, and a sense of social responsibility, all of which are essential for India’s unity. CISE’s activities make “Unity in Diversity” not just a slogan, but a lived experience.
Seen from this perspective, India’s unity is an ongoing journey in which every generation contributes its part. When all these contributions come together, they create a strong, colorful, and vibrant image of India that serves as an inspiration to the world.
In conclusion, it is appropriate to say that India’s true strength lies in its unity. With the efforts and guidance of organizations like the Council of India Societies of Edmonton (CISE), if we preserve our constitutional values and shared heritage, India will continue to remain a symbol of unity, peace, and progress.
Declaration / Acknowledgement
“This article has been prepared to promote the objectives, mission, and values related to national unity
of the Council of India Societies of Edmonton (CISE).”
Digraj Parmar
President, CISE
Unity Shines in Diversity
Whether we live in Canada, the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, India’s spirit always shines through. We may be known as Non-Resident Indians, but wherever Indians live across the globe, the many colors of India are visible. The cultural roots of the regions we come from are reflected everywhere we go.
In one corner of a shopping mall, you may see someone wrapped in a Kashmiri shawl. Elsewhere, a group of Punjabi women in elegant Patiala outfits chat happily as Punjabi folk songs fill the air. On a stage nearby, young men dressed in sherwanis and turbans perform energetic Bhangra, while in another place a young woman in a traditional South Indian sari captivates the audience with Bharatanatyam. Somewhere, people dressed in white lungis enjoy rice and sambhar served on banana leaves, while elsewhere Maharashtrian women in traditional attire perform Lezim. And during Navratri, Gujaratis in vibrant traditional dress light up the scene with Garba—truly a sight of its own. These are not just differences in clothing or colors, but unique rhythms, music, and expressions of dance that define India’s diversity. Even abroad, Indians preserve this diversity while living together in harmony.
Imagine an Indian potluck in a foreign city. From the north come rich parathas and makki di roti with the aroma of sarson da saag. From the west arrive dal-baati, along with plates of soft khaman, dhokla, and thepla. From the south wafts the fragrance of coconut in masala dosa and sambhar, while from the east, sweets like sandesh wait patiently for dessert. And right at the center of all these flavors and colors stands pani puri—symbolizing national unity! Amid all
these diverse dishes, one thing remains common: the shared spices that bind them together.
Across the world, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is popular with everyone—from children to seniors—because its Gokuldham Society beautifully teaches how people from different cultures can live together as one community.
Like a sacred Indian mantra, wherever Indians settle across the world, unity in diversity continues to shine. Indian values shine—and will continue to shine forever.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat. 
— Manish Patel
Golden Threads of India
By Edmonton Tamil Cultural Association Executive
Since the founding of the Council of Indian Societies of Edmonton (CISE) in 1976, the Edmonton Tamil Cultural Association (ETCA) and the Tamil community have been an integral part of CISE’s journey, contributing leadership, service, and cultural richness to its evolving tapestry. As CISE celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2026 under the theme “Golden Threads of India: 50 Years of Unity in Diversity,” this enduring partnership stands as a meaningful example of shared values and collective progress.
A cornerstone of this shared history is Mr. Robinson Koilpillai, a respected leader within the Tamil community. He served as the founding President of CISE during its formative years, holding office from 1976 to 1978, and again from 1981 to 1983. In parallel, he was the founding President of the Edmonton Tamil Cultural Association (ETCA), serving from 1979 to 1981, reflecting how ETCA and CISE grew together from the earliest days.
Mr. Koilpillai’s leadership played a crucial role in shaping CISE’s foundational vision. Among his most enduring contributions was the introduction of student awards at CISE’s annual celebrations during his time, reflecting his strong belief in education and youth empowerment values deeply rooted in his professional life as a teacher and principal with Edmonton Public Schools. Mr. Koilpillai for his reputation in multitude of domains is admitted to the order of Canada which is highly prestigious, considered one of Canada’s highest civilian honors.
Over the decades, members of the Tamil community have continued to support CISE through executive leadership, auditing roles, and meaningful contributions to the CISE magazine over several years. Tamil children and youth have remained a vibrant presence at CISE events, participating in cultural performances and national anthem renditions and receiving student awards that proudly express unity through diversity.
After a pause in formal membership, ETCA rejoined CISE in 2022, in a renewed chapter of collaboration. Today, ETCA’s involvement is stronger than ever, with active engagement at both the executive level and within the CISE Youth Wing, strengthening intergenerational leadership and cultural continuity.
As CISE marks its 50th anniversary, ETCA pauses with deep gratitude to honour the founding leaders, families, elders, and volunteers whose vision was carried not only through action, but through words of hope, encouragement, and unity. Their spoken commitments, written records, and guiding conversations became the foundation upon which institutions were built, and communities found belonging. These golden words continue to echo across generations, inspiring the present and lighting the path forward.