Ludhiana, 1 june, 2022 (Yes Punjab News)
The Centre for Punjab Studies of Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Ludhiana organized a National Webinar on “Komagatamaru: Historical Significance” in order to commemorate the memory of the Martyrs. The occasion was graced by the virtual presence of several dignitaries. Dr. Jagmohan Singh, Chairman, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Centenary Foundation, Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, President, Punjabi Lok Virasat Academy, Ludhiana, and S. Jagmohan Singh Gill, Socio- Historian from Kolkata were the speakers of the day.
S. Sahib Thind, President, Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, Surrey Canada who led the drive for a formal Parliamentary apology for the tragic incident of Komagatamaru was special guest who visited the college on the occasion. Dr. Mandeep Kaur, Coordinator, Centre for Punjab Studies introduced the theme. Dr. S. P. Singh, Former Vice-Chancellor, GNDU Amritsar and President, Gujranwala Khalsa Education Council welcomed the eminent guests. He stated that the objective of the Centre for Punjab Studies is to discuss and highlight the issues of Punjab.
Dr. Jagmohan Singh, in his address, said that the Komagata Maru has turned into the site for the contestation over prejudicial strategies managing South Asian movements to Canada. The Komagata Maru incident was a stain on the history of Canada and highlights the racist government policies of the time.
S. Jagmohan Singh Gill stated that the resurrection of the Komagata Maru’s tragic journey in Canadian and Indian national memories foregrounds a number of issues connected with memory and history; government and opposition; prejudice, country and citizenship and displacement and diasporas.
According to Prof. Gurbhajan Gill, the Komagatamaru incident continues to resonate in our history and is a symbol of the early struggle of South Asian Canadians for justice and equality. He said that people need to learn lessons from such bloody incidents and be aware of their rights.
S. Sahib Thind shared his experience how he and his organisation single-mindedly pursued the official Parliamentary apology for the Komagata Maru incident, while advocating for the human rights of the oppressed worldwide. Finally, the foundation’s hard work bore fruit through Prime Minister Trudeau’s official apology.
Dr. Arvinder Singh, Principal, Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College proposed the vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to the eminent guests for sparing their valuable time and applauded the efforts of the organizing team of the webinar.
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