India my motherland, Canada my adopted country, both important and I’m optimistic: McGill University V-C Deep Saini

Speaking to The Indian Express over the current diplomatic tension between India and Canada, Saini said that though he is a Canadian citizen, India is his motherland and Canada his adopted country. So cordial relations between both countries are what he is praying for.

“I am a Canadian of Indian origin. India (and Punjab) are my mothers, Canada is my adopted country, and both countries for a long time had a very good relationship. I continue to wish and pray that we will return to that relationship again and enjoy mutual benefits. India and Canada are two very important countries in the world, and we need both countries to work closely together and remain friendly,” said Saini, who has also worked with other reputed Canadian universities including the University of Alberta, University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo.

Saini said that though he could not comment on anything political, all that he knew was that for decades, Indians from different communities and regions had been living peacefully and harmoniously in Canada.

“I cannot comment on Khalistan. It is a political issue but all I know is that in Canada, people from many parts of India are settled and they are living harmoniously, and I am hoping that nothing could disrupt that harmony. We have Indians here from north to south to west. Yes, there are a large number of Punjabis but there are also people from other parts of India which include diverse communities, religions and backgrounds. My own family members are from Sikh and Hindu communities both and we live harmoniously. I hope this harmony will continue, and in fact I am quite optimistic that it will. Moments like this happen between countries and they are resolved eventually,” said Saini.

Saini said that McGill was trying to help its Indian students in every way possible amid the current situation. “Yes, the current situation is causing distress among Indian students but we are here for them. I had myself left my country to pursue studies abroad. So I can understand,” he said. “My Indian roots are an aspect of my life that’s always there but not something that is discussed often. I do my job as any other Canadian citizen. But I am aware that there are people who take inspiration from the fact that an Indian is heading Canada’s top university.”