Please Remember The Komagata Maru

Raj Hundal's

Raj Hundal was nominated as the NDP Candidate for Surrey-Tynehead in July 2011. He is a graduate of UBC and the University of Manchester’s School of Law with a life-long involvement in politics. Formerly a political aide to well respected Member of Parliament for Surrey-North Penny Priddy and was elected as a Vancouver Park Board Commissioner in 2008. Raj worked with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society, where he provided immigrant support services, acting as a liaison between Surrey’s cultural communities.

published by Raj on Sun, 05/27/2012 - 18:41

98 Years ago on May 23, 1914 the Komagata Maru carrying 376 passengers had arrived in the Vancouver harbour. The Sikh, Hindu and Muslim passengers were prohibited from docking because of the racist "continuous journey" clause, a deplorable exclusionist Canadian statute designed specifically to deter immigration from India.

For 60 days, the South Asian community struggled by every legal means possible to stop this injustice while those held captive on the Komagata Maru suffered through intolerable conditions of heat and overcrowding.

That is why every year on May 23^rd a candle light vigil is held at Surrey’s Bear Creek Park to commemorate that tragic incident and call for an official apology in the House of Commons.

We must not forget the Komagata Maru because although their journey to a new country and a promising future was stopped, the struggle against injustice and for freedom continued. And because of those that continued to fight racism and repression, it is essential that we share this history with our youth so that they may too understand, cherish and celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of the South Asian community in British Columbia and Canada. We have built the Canadian mosaic, truly the envy of the world, a proud nation that embraces and celebrates different cultures, customs and languages.

Raj Hundal

Surrey-Tynehead NDP candidate