Komagata Maru Commemoration Unveiled in Abbotsford: Honoring a Legacy of Resilience

By: Raj Singh Toor

In a momentous event, the City of Abbotsford paid tribute to the passengers of the Komagata Maru by unveiling the "Komagata Maru Way" street sign and an interpretive plaque at the Heritage Sikh Temple National Historic Site. The initiative, spearheaded by Raj Singh Toor, Vice President, and spokesperson for the non-profit Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society, holds profound significance for the South Asian community and marks a step forward in recognizing the injustices faced by those who journeyed aboard the Komagata Maru in 1914.

The Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society, comprising 15 families across Canada who are direct descendants of the ship's passengers, worked tirelessly to achieve this recognition. For these families, it was a deeply personal endeavor, as they carry the collective pain of their ancestors' rejection by Canada due to racist immigration laws.

The Komagata Maru incident unfolded in the backdrop of Abbotsford, where the Sikh community had already made substantial contributions to the region's growth. As early pioneers, Sikhs played vital roles in the labor force, supporting lumber mills, railway projects, and industries in the area. In the summer of 1914, when the fate of the Komagata Maru hung in the balance, Sikhs in Abbotsford rallied to assist by offering food, water, money, medicine, and even trying to lease the ship to prevent its return. After years of advocacy, Raj Singh

Toor successfully conveyed the significance of acknowledging the Komagata Maru incident to the City of Abbotsford. Both parties recognized that commemorating this historical event would provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on systemic racism in Canada and inspire a commitment to combat discrimination and promote inclusion for a better future.

The unveiling ceremony witnessed the heartfelt presence of Raj Singh Toor, who was officially invited by Mayor Ross Siemens to the event. Together, they unveiled the "Komagata Maru Way" street sign and the accompanying interpretive plaque, standing as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who suffered during the tragic episode.

The commemorative renaming of a section of South Fraser Way to "Komagata Maru Way" is accompanied by an educational plaque and kits that will ensure the story endures for future generations. This gesture serves as a reminder of the diverse makeup of Abbotsford and Canada, underscoring the significance of different ethnic communities coexisting harmoniously.

Raj Singh Toor expressed his gratitude to Mayor Ross Siemens, the councillors, City's manager Terra

Dickinson, Sue Federspiel, Dr. Satwinder Bains, and all the City of Abbotsford staff for their unwavering support and commitment to recognizing the Komagata Maru passengers. He believes that the "Komagata Maru Way" street sign and interpretive plaque will not only educate the community about its past but also foster a legacy of acceptance and tolerance for future generations.

In conclusion, the "Komagata Maru Way" street sign and interpretive plaque stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who faced adversity and injustice. While the past cannot be undone, this commemoration strives to build a legacy that embraces diversity and cultivates understanding among Canadians, British Columbians, and Abbotsford residents, forging a more peaceful and inclusive tomorrow.

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In Memoriam

On the afternoon of July 25, 2023, Mrs. Surinder Kaur Sidhu, a radiant beacon of love, joy, and unwavering faith, peacefully transitioned from this life with comforting care in Langley, BC. Surinder was a devoted wife, an inspiring mother, and a deeply cherished grandmother. She leaves behind her loving husband, Jatinder Singh Sidhu; her proud daughters, Kamal and Sharon; her devoted son, Sahib. She was a devout mother-in-law to Mani, Rishi and Nirveen. She absolutely adore her five grandchildren, Jaiven, Naiha, Khera, Syan, and Saina. Each of them is a testament to her legacy of love, generosity, and resilience.

The funeral services will be held at Fraser River Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC on Sunday July 30th at 12 pm. This will be followed by a celebration of Surinder's life at the Mission Gurdwara, a place she held dear to her heart, at 2 pm.

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08/20/1935 – 07/21/2023

With utmost class and respect, we recount the life of Gurcharan Singh, a remarkable individual born on August 20, 1935, in Sehna, Punjab. In pursuit of a better life, he embarked on a journey to Canada in September of 1959, where he worked diligently in various labor-intensive mill jobs until June 1964. The eve before his wife, Surjit, arrived in Canada, Gurcharan found himself parked in front of the Post Office in Mission, BC, tears in his eyes, earnestly praying for employment as his wife was about to join him. On that very day, a stroke of fate intervened, as he received a call from Whonnock Industries, offering him a job starting the next day. He worked there devotedly until 1989 when he retired.

In June of 1965, they welcomed their first son, Bayant, and their second son, Amarjit, followed in September of 1972. A loving husband and father, Gurcharan exemplified hard work and dedicated service to the community. One significant testament to his unwavering commitment to the community lies in an incident surrounding the historic Abbotsford Gurdwara. the title for the Abbotsford Gurdwara was held by the Ross Street Gurdwara committee due to the absence of a charitable society in Abbotsford. At that time in 1975 Gurcharan Singh Dhindsa, along with other devoted individuals, went to the Vancouver Ross Street temple, locked and loaded to take action. The communist organization were awaiting with chains and bats ready to battle. Despite facing opposition, they persevered, with Gurcharan Singh fearlessly defending their cause, wielding his kirpan and battle on the Gurdwara grounds commenced. Eventually the opposition gave in and Gurcharan Dhindsa was restrained with the promise of the title being returned. Not only did they retrieve the title for the Abbotsford Gurdwara, but the titles for the New Westminster and Victoria Gurdwara were handed back as a result of this this incident. It was at the moment in history that the 3 Gurdwaras became independent. This was a historical for Gurcharan Singh Dhindsa and the other devotees marking a moment of strength, determination, and dedication to the Guru Ghar.

Gurcharan was the founding president of the Mission Gurdwara and was responsible for the initial fundraising. He also served the Dasmesh Punjabi School Board for 10 years.

Throughout his life, Gurcharan faced numerous health challenges, each time displaying extraordinary resilience. His remarkable spirit extended beyond his personal life as he played a pivotal role in establishing the Mission Sikh Gurdwara, contributing to its fundraising and fostering community unity. In 1988, he underwent CABG with five bypasses and four stents, and over the years, he faced further health issues, including three stents in 1997, CABG with valve replacement and four bypasses in 2002, colon cancer in 2014, a significant stroke in 2016, cancer below the eye in 2019, lymphoma in 2021, and, finally, in 2023, lymphoma spreading throughout his body, leading to his passing.

His family doctor aptly described him as an exceptional example of resilience. Gurcharan Singh's memory will forever endure in the hearts of his family, loved ones, and all those fortunate enough to have experienced his warmth and benevolence. May his soul rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy of courage and compassion