In a recent social media post, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to Indian-Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh as ‘a guy from Punjab’, sparking controversy and criticism from various quarters. Trudeau made a surprise visit to Dosanjh’s concert at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, where he praised the singer for his achievements. However, his choice of words ignited a debate on why Dosanjh was not referred to as an Indian artist instead.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned Trudeau’s post, calling it a ‘deliberate mischief through wordplay’. Sirsa emphasized that Dosanjh should have been identified as an Indian singer, not just a Punjabi artist. The BJP leader expressed his disappointment over Trudeau’s post overshadowing the recognition of a talented artist like Dosanjh.
The post on X by Trudeau triggered a backlash on social media, with users questioning the Prime Minister’s decision to single out Punjab instead of acknowledging Dosanjh’s Indian roots. People criticized Trudeau for not using the correct terminology while addressing the singer, pointing out that Dosanjh’s success story symbolizes the achievements of an Indian artist on an international platform.
Dosanjh’s concert at the Rogers Centre was a historic moment, with the venue witnessing a full house and becoming the first Punjabi artist to achieve such a feat. The singer’s global recognition, including appearances on popular shows like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Coachella, underscored his rising popularity on an international scale.
The strained relations between India and Canada added another layer to the controversy, with Trudeau’s previous allegations against India further fueling the debate. Despite Dosanjh’s clarification about his Punjabi identity and connection to India, Trudeau’s choice of words reignited the conversation about cultural representation and recognition on a global platform.
