Anita Anand, a politician from India and Canada who has been appointed as Canada’s fresh foreign minister, is a practicing Hindu. As she took her oath of office with her hands on the Bhagavad Gita, a custom she has upheld since her first Cabinet session in 2019, her religious identity was once more on a quiet yet respectful show. In an effort to fulfill his promise of a “fresh start,” recently elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen to take on key Trudeau-era officials. Anand is currently the head of Canada’s provincial government, which is responsible for overseeing politics in a time of growing tensions with the US and a tumultuous world order. Anand was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, in 1967. Her family is from Punjab, and her father is from Tamil Nadu. Anand maintained robust ethnic and religious ties despite growing up in a largely white region of Canada. She has cited the values her parents have fostered over the years, especially those that emphasize training, moral character, and public service. Her use of the Gita during ceremonial events has evolved into a calm characteristic of her political career. It reflects a personal understanding of Hindu philosophy that has helped shape her approach to governance, particularly the dharma ( duty ) and seva ( service ). Anand made a trip to the Vaishno Devi Temple in Oakville this year on Mother’s Day, saying,” It warmed my heart to see so many people coming together to honor and realize our mother.” She immediately rose up the ranks and gained compliment for her leadership of the COVID-19 pandemic’s vaccine procurement strategy. Eventually, she received a lot of praise for her consistent leadership in times of crisis, including military reforms and challenges to international protection, while serving as the defense minister. Anand becomes the first Hindu to hold the position of Canada’s foreign secretary after making a second appearance in the Cabinet. Her appointment is seen as a testament to her expertise as well as a reflection of American politics’ changing landscape. The new Cabinet, which includes 28 ministers and includes secretaries of state, has received praise for achieving a balance between practice, gender equality, and cultural diversity. Many of the Cabinet members, like Anand, have american background, and the majority are women. Anand is well-suited for the position, especially as Canada prepares to navigate complicated trade negotiations and international realignments, according to social observers. Anand is expected to play a key role in articulating Canada’s foreign policy tone and Prime Minister Carney has promised a tougher stance against Donald Trump’s mercantilist trade policies. Despite earlier indicating that she might leave the political field, it seems as though the collapse of Justin Trudeau’s administration and Carney’s Democrats have brought Anand back into the fold at a crucial time. Yet political opponents have acknowledged her professionalism and dignity, and her return has been welcomed across group lines.
