Gurmukh Singh

Toronto, Feb 2 The huge Indian community here anointed their first-ever "Indo-Canadian Idol" during belated celebrations of India's Republic Day on Sunday.

In sub-zero temperatures, over 10,000 people converged on the city's Pearson Convention Centre to enjoy the daylong extravaganza organised by Panorama India, a cultural body of the community in Canada. The high point of the celebrations was the selection of the first Indo-Canadian Idol.

After months of elimination rounds, the organisers presented 10 finalists to the audience and three judges to pick up the winner on the basis of performance.

The title went to Ferzana Bohra. The second place went to Anusha Sivalingum. Kajori Chakrovarty and Dhiraj Barla both came third. The winner was given a token award of $500 by Panorama India co-chair Ajit Khanna. The runner-up got $300.

"The Indian Idol contest is our attempt to enthuse our new generation about India and Indian culture,'' said Khanna.

The audience was kept on their feet by high-voltage performances by the Melange Entertainment Group of Indian students from the local York University and the Yadu group.

The high point of merry-making came with the medley performance of the hit 'OM Shanti Om' by Melange and Yadu groups jointly.

Among the audience were Indo-Canadian Minister Harinder Takhar, Indian consul general Preeti Saran, Order-of-Canada Lata Pada, Senator Vim Kochhar, Toronto Police Board chief Alok Mukherjee, MPs Ruby Dhalla and Gurbax Malhi and mayor Hazel McCallion.

In his message for the community, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said: "This proud commemoration is emblematic of Canada's large and dynamic Indo-Canadian community. Just as the community is thriving, so too is Canada's relationship with India."

Harper added: "Our government is working diligently to build solid bilateral relations with the rising giant of South Asia. During my recent visit to India, our countries signed two memoranda of understanding that will lead to a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, as increased energy cooperation. India constitutes one of Canada's priority markets, and we look forward to expanding trade and investment opportunities.''