Punjab Post Daily Online Newspaper & Print Media
Leader of Komagata – Gurdit Singh’s granddaughter graced the occasion
Amritsar, Dec. 13 (Punjab Post Bureau)- Students showcased the ‘spirit of intolerance’, raging throughout India and the recent topic of discourse that has gripped the entire nation; through the portrayal of infamous incident of ‘Komagata Maru’ relating to the intolerance exhibited by Canada towards Indian migrants, at the Annual scholar badge ceremony of Delhi Public School held in its premises. More than 250 students were decorated with awards, medals, badges, certificates, markers cup, Rounder trophies for their excellent performance in various fields. The day also witnessed student Shabaz Waraich being adorned with the ‘Roll of Excellence’ whereas Ira Kundal received ‘Harsh Jindal and Sarjit memorial trophy’ while the All-rounder trophy was bagged by Bhaya Gupta for high achievement in all areas of schooling. Earlier a dance capturing the spirit of’ religious intolerance’ as practiced by society was presented that made the audience introspect on the hollow practices that promoted intolerance in society and led to serious consequences.
It was followed by an equally thought provoking portrayal of incident of Komagata Maru involving a Japanese steamship, that sailed from Hong Kong, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1914, carrying 376 passengers from Punjab during the times of British India. Of them 24 were admitted to Canada, but the 352 other passengers were not allowed to land in Canada, and the ship was forced to return to India. After two months without food and water to those on the ship docked in Vancouver, the Canadian government sent two naval ships, to escort the Komagata Maru out of Canadian territory. When the ship reached Calcutta, India which was under the British, it was stopped by a British gun boat. The ship was then taken to a place called Budge Budge in Calcutta where they tried to arrest 20 or more men they saw as leaders. When they resisted the arrest, British gun boat shot at least 19 people. Some escaped, while the others were arrested and imprisoned in their village and kept there for the duration of the World War-I. Brave Gurdit Singh was the leader of the voyage of Komagata Maru.
A Canadian minister had tendered an apology to Indians a few years ago for the same. Interestingly, the play was presented before an audience that comprised of Special guest Mrs Harbans Kaur the granddaughter of Gurdit Singh the leader of Komagata Maru besides Mrs. Lovejeet Kalsi, District Transport Officer and Dr. Taminder Singh Bhatia Professor Physics and Controller of Examination, Khalsa College, Amritsar who graced the occasion. Earlier Principal of the school Mrs. Sangeeta Singh warmly welcomed guests who were presented mementoes by the school.
