Indian diplomatic missions across Canada have successfully concluded their annual drive to provide life certificates to Indian pensioners, holding a series of outreach camps across various community centers, temples, and gurdwaras. The completion of the process, which is essential for Indian seniors to continue receiving their pension payments, was notable for its smooth operation despite organized protests by pro-Khalistan separatist groups.
The annual initiative, aimed at bringing the consular service closer to the homes of the Indian diaspora, was held at approximately 25 venues spanning multiple provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. The locations included key community hubs such as the historic Khalsa Diwan Society’s Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey.
This year’s camps operated under heightened security following a violent incident in November 2024, when pro-Khalistan radicals invaded the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), resulting in several arrests. Consequently, a significant police presence was maintained across various venues in the GTA and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland to ensure public order and prevent disruption.
Despite a campaign by the secessionist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which claimed it had “trapped” Indian officials at the Vancouver gurdwara, the camps proceeded unhindered. A spokesperson for the Ross Street gurdwara refuted the SFJ’s narrative, confirming the camp ran smoothly and successfully issued nearly 100 life certificates to seniors. The gurdwara, which had secured a court order prohibiting protests within 100 meters, noted the appreciation from the community for hosting the event.
The successful completion of the camps signals the Indian missions’ commitment to maintaining essential consular services for its diaspora, even in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the threat of political disruption by extremist elements. The prior year’s violence, which saw the arrest and charging of Inderjeet Gosal, a key organizer of the SFJ’s “Khalistan Referendum” movement, served as a stark precursor, prompting the increased security measures that ultimately ensured the safety and accessibility of the 2025 camps.
The wide coverage, spanning cities from Toronto and Vancouver to smaller communities like Windsor and Halifax, highlights the strategic effort by the Indian government to efficiently serve its large pensioner population residing in Canada. The missions’ ability to execute this high-stakes logistical exercise without incident marks a quiet victory for community engagement over political confrontation.
