This was stated by Tim Singh Uppal, Member of Parliament from Edmonton, Canada while speaking at a function organised by Punjab Cultural Promotion Council (PCPC), under the chairmanship of ISCA member Davinder Singh Chhina in the city on Saturday.

“As a member of the heritage committee, formed by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I am involved in heritage activities concerning Canada, but at the same time I am committed to work for the promotion of Punjabi heritage in Canada and North America,” Uppal further said.

Uppal is currently on a 10-day tour of Punjab to interact with the Punjabi community and visit his native village Bassian near Raikot. He has already taken up the issue of visas to Punjabis with the immigration officials and visa officers at the Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh and the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi.

“The number of visas being issued to Punjabis may increase in the coming days, as a result of the meetings with the concerned officials,” disclosed Uppal.

This young MP from Canada has been imparting training in Bhangra and Kabaddi for over a decade to many young children in Canada who have no touch with their roots. “I inspire the young Punjabi generation settled there to connect to the culture of Punjab. I encourage them to learn Punjabi folk dances, Kabaddi, Dhol, Gatka and Kavishri.” said Uppal.

Speaking on the occasion, PCPC Director Davinder Singh Chhina said that the Punjabi community here has high hopes from this young Canadian MP, who is also deeply involved with sports activities.