Kamagata Maru revisited: Bramptonian paid rich tribute on centenary commemoration

Rationalist Society Ontario-Brampton and Indo Canadian Workers Association-Brampton jointly put up a mesmerising show in Brampton on Sep 14,2014. Chinguacousy Secondary School’s auditorium witnessed this historic event on the part of South Asian Community where people participated with full enthusiasm with national fervor and felt pride to be associated of their forefather’s revolutionary past by paying rich tribute in a jam packed hall of 700 seats.

The event started with a brief Speeches delivered by Joginder Singh Grewal and Dr Baljinder Singh Sekhon, Amrit Singh Dhillon  followed by a historic play ‘SUTEY SUTEY PANIAN CH AA GIA UBAL’ (Silent water set on fire) written and directed by Harkesh Chaudhry of Lok Kala Mach-Mullanpura Punjab India who endured enormous pain for the preparation of drama within eleven days. Mr Harkesh was here in Toronto on a short visit from India.

Addressing the audience, Dr Baljinder Sekhon castigated the Harper regime whose immigration policies are going back to the 1914 era when Canada pursued racist policies to maintain Canada a white country. He said, the latest changes in immigration laws (C-24) will make more difficult for new immigrants and existing Asians families in Canada to sponsor their beloved ones.  Mr. Joginder Grewal spoke about the historical importance of Kamagata Maru event which compelled Canadian Government to bring changes in their immigration policies.

Play set out in the atmosphere of 1900s era giving inch by inch details of then peasant’s miserable conditions and hardship when farmers were not able to feed their families because of atrocious high taxation rate. Consequently, the per capita income dwindled from Rs 28 to 18 from 1880 to 1899. India faced about 25 famines in last fifty years of 19^th century which were manufactured by British rule and their wheat stock piling policies. Under those precarious socio-economic situations of India; Sardar Gurdit Singh, a businessman from Amritsar hired a ship from a Japanese Company by paying $11,000 so that 376 persons could sail direct from India to Vancouver in their pursuit of better livelihood. Filled with dreams on the foreign shores, these passengers were faced with the harsh Canadian Immigration laws, implemented by ruthless Immigration Officer W.C.Hopkinson who has also served Indian Police under British rule. Hopkinson with the help of his informer Bela Singh and Harnam Singh managed to infiltrate Kamagat Maru passengers and their Vancouver based supporters i.e. Khalsa Dewaan Society and Gadar Party. His conspiracy bore fruits and he successfully sent the ship back to India in order to maintain Canada a White Country, the prime motto of then Canadian government.

Upon the return to Indian shore, Kamagata Maru passengers were faced yet another blow from British rulers as they were fired upon when about 20 passengers were killed, several injured and (barring few) rest of them faced imprisonment. Play ends with raising burning questions from the audiences, whether it is justified to brand Gurdit Singh merely a  businessman? Whether it is appropriate to derecognise role to Gadri Leader Sohan Singh Bakhna? Is it easy to forget the martyrdom of Kartar Singh Sarabha? Is that proper homage to Bhagat Singh without realising his dream?

It is pertinent to note that all criminals on the side of Canadian government were killed by Gadarites. Hopkinson, his informer Harnam Singh and Arjan Singh were killed in Vancouver on Sep 3 and Sep 5 1914 whereas Hopkinson was shot dead in the court room by Mewa Singh on October 21, 1914. Bela Singh relocated to India but revolutionaries did not spare him and killed him in 1935. 

The play was a visual retreat with fantastic cut to cut scenes and  able to convey its message forcefully that audience was not able to move a bit. It narrated all the historic incidents in an absolute dramatic way. Set was beautifully designed by Balraj Shokar, imbibed with so many lyrical compositions enacted by more than ten characters so was the music on its heights. All the songs sang during the play were taken from the annals of Gadar Lehar publication.  

Selected characters of the same drama team, presented second play “Bhoot” (Ghost) written by Bramptonian author Kulwinder Khera, reflecting the ideology of rationalist movement against superstitions and unscientific culture prevailed in south Asian community. It’s a tale of a young girl who is fighting with her oneself in pursuit for her love. Her inner conflict is narrated in a way that her parents start believing that their house is under some demonic attack. They try to bring in Baba and Gyani ji etc who are just interested in making money. The friend of the girl’s father intervene and find out the inner conflict of young woman and expose the cultural backwardness of his friend, at last he manage to convince the parents not to be a victim of society but to play a leading role to change it.

The artists who played roles in two plays and one chorographic event were Samar, Amninder, Antarpreet Kaur,Navnoor, Ram Singh, Vikramjit,Amarjeet Kaur, Karamjeet, Sharanjeet Singh Raju, Sumeet, Anita and Bupendra Singh. Lightings were managed by Kulwinder Khera, Surjeet Malli, Music was conducted by Navnoor who also took responsibility of Production.

The best attraction of the event was a magic show, performed by Scott Dietrich. His interactive magical tricks were widely enjoyed by kids and wholeheartedly appreciated by youngsters and elders too. Programme lasted about five hours.

The unique programme came out with a thunderous success despite all odd and ruckus created by some dissident elements and some ex-member of Rationalist society. Some scrupulous elements were active thru media and fundamentalist religious organisation who once threatened to protest against this programme on some unfounded rumors of so-called blasphemy. Undoubtedly, the success and high turn out on the venue is the real testimony of a complete rejection of anti-social elements and a victory to democratic aspirations of the masses.

Kamagata Maru: Unfinished agenda of Left and Democratic Forces

One has to understand its historical importance in proper context when we commemorate the centenary of Kamagata Maru event, which was a blot of Canadian racist past. A Japanese vessel charted by Gurdit Singh and Balwant Singh boarded with 376 passengers from different communities of India was sailed to Canada but was kept on the Vancouver harbour  for two months and finally forced to returned under naval gunboats surveillance on July 23,1914 just to keep Canada intact a ‘WHITE COUNTRY’. Colonial government of British India dealt with Kamagata Maru with iron hand and opened fire in September 1914 upon arrival in Calcutta port and killed at least 20 ill-fated passengers.  Those were the days when human rights and right to live with pride, equality and dignity was a reserved commodity for white skinned Europeans only.  It’s evident that 400,000 European immigrants landed in Canada in 1913 but Canada closed the doors for mere 376 Indian.

The racist reactionary actions of the Canadian Government was very well perceived by immigrant Indian community, precisely in USA and Canada. It left a great impact on the leadership of Gadar Party which later gave birth to Indian Communist movement spearheading its heroic struggle against the yoke of exploitative British Imperialism.

Britain fought two world wars and Indian suffered huge human resources, 74,187 and 87,000 Indian soldiers were perished in WW I,WW II respectively (Canadian were 64,990 and 45,400) and millions lost their lives due to British managed famine in India. In 1943 when Delhi based British Govt officials sent report to Winston Churchill about the famine which killed over 3 million people in Bengal, his immediate reaction was, ‘then why hasn’t Gandhi died yet?’. He further commented, ‘I hate Indian, they are beastly people with a beastly religion. The famine was their own fault for breeding like rabbits’.

This deep rooted hatred of the yesteryears hasn’t vanished yet; yes, it has changed its color, tactics and characteristics. When you see hundred of thousand highly qualified Asians immigrants in Canada driving a cab, trailers, working in factories and warehouses doing sundry jobs, it’s there. When you see Pat Pimm MLA (B.C) ridiculing indigenous people on the claim of agricultural land issue, it’s there. When you see Harper Government introducing Bill C-24 to steal Canadian citizenship, it’s there. When you see immigrants are deliberately discouraged to invite their family members i.e. parents, spouse or children, it’s there. When you see flyers being distributed in Brampton and York University; targeting immigrants callously, It’s there.  When you see work permit workers are being treated beyond the ambit of the constitution, it’s there and so on so forth.

Kamagata Maru, under Gurdit Singh is still hope for the hopeless and the people who are at the receiving end of religious, caste, creed, national, color discrimination. He allowed all religious communities to board a voyage to a land where they all could realise their dream. That world is still non existence in true sense. Let us strive for a world where humanity is far from all the man made curses which it is suffering from.

Photo: Google

Birth of Disha, to be a vocal chord of Asian women's plight in Canada

 

Pressing situations of immigrant community in Canada broke its silence on June 15,2014 at Century Garden Recreation centre Brampton. The first Canadian Punjabi Immigrant Women conference was conducted by newly formed DISHA and deliberated issued related to immigrant women and their challenges. Conference marked the first Punjabi women Harnam Kaur, Kartar Kaur, Bishan Kaur who landed in Canada 100 years before.

Syeda Nuzhat Siddiqui,Peace Ambassador of United Nations welcomed the panel members and house, underlined the urgent necessity for education amongst immigrant women, which is the key to solve their personal, social and economic problems. She called upon the community for a systematic change to upgrade their skills according to the requirement of the job market and also said that immigrants have to be aware about Canadian values.

Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell was delighted to be a part of the first Punjabi women conference and emphasized the need of speaking up. She welcomed the organizers and thanked them to provide a platform to discuss the issues related to immigrant community at large. Discussion on the problems is the only way for civilized society. She said Canada is a wonderful country for women to grow and get all what she want. She said Brampton has its own unique significance in the world where people from around the world live peacefully and achieving the goals of their lives. We are example to the world to show how multi cultural people co-exist peacefully.  She also praised Punjabi Culture and relevance of its rich heritage.

Veteran Punjabi literature writer, Sahitya Acadamy prize winner Dr Wariyam Sandhu addressed the audience and went to the extent to expose the hypocrisy of so-called Indian culture in detail. In his keynote speech, he said no any religion based society could provide a justice to women, be it Hindu, Islam or Christianity, since all religion were invented by male and thus we all see a certain pattern of patriarchal social order in every religion. Explaining Indian culture, he said, India has two contradictory faces while it deals with the women. On one hand Indian culture symbolises women as its holy deities like Saraswati, Durga, Lakshmi, Indira, Kali etc. They can name her anything but what they could not give her, is her individuality. India failed to recognise women as human being. In his sharp attack of duplicity he went on to give details how Dropdi was put on stake by Yudhishter and how she was disgraced by his opponent Duryodhan in the court. He then narrated the infamous hymn written by Tulsidas who said “Dhor Gawar Shoodr aur Nari, Charon taran ke adhikari”. He felt pity for those who worship Sita, wife of Lord Rama. He is the same Rama who forced Sita to prove her sanity by a whisper of a Dhobi. It’s a known fact of Hinduism philosophy that which enshrine the ultimate goal of life in Moksha (Liberation). And what an irony, a woman can’t achieve it. She has to take birth as male and then can acquire Moksha since woman is restricted for this path of spiritual height.

Dr Wariyam said that Sikhism provided equal rights to women since it abolished Sati Pratha, Parda Pratha and also entitled them to be a part and parcel of Gurudwara management. But, same community is now degenerated as former Chief of Shiromani Akal Takht Bibi Jagir Kaur conspired to slain her own pregnant daughter who married against her wishes. She was convicted for five years.

He said, even Buddha was biased against women as he suggested his Bhikshu not to save a drowning woman in river even if she is your mother. Pope did not allowed a woman to be a Saint for centuries though they worship Mother Mary. We all know what the state of women in Islamic countries is though Islam provided some relief to women in history of mankind. The same community is now being represented by Mala who was shot for her basic right to education.

He attacked on honor killings and phenomenal violence against women in Indian subcontinent. The recent honor killing in the premises of Lahore High Court by brother and father and double murder case of Badaun and many other similar incidents taking place incessantly in India bring shame to him. He said all organised religions are basically against women as they want to control her and her sexuality. Woman is just a piece of property for them. These are the values which immigrant community carries with them to across the oceans. They are the real recipient of these cultural burns and they have to face the yoke of modern capitalism in Canada.

The veteran writer called upon the audience that we have to recognise woman as human being first. Stop female foeticide and if you allow your son to love, please also allow your daughter’s love and her choice of groom. In an emotive discourse he said no matter if people responsible for 1984 riots do not repents for their crime, does not matters if organizers of Gujrat pogrom does not apologise publicly for their crime against humanity but He begged pardon on the behalf of Chandra Singh Shaheed who wrote a story 100 years ago “Stri Sabha” and painted a grey picture of women folks, now the time has changed as the picture is changed  and men are the real culprits now.

Second session of the conference was dedicated to the Punjabi Literature and Feminist issues. A book of poetry written by immigrants in last 40 years was released by  Dr Sheila Embleton (FRCS, Dean of Languages, Linguistics and Literature York University). ‘Koonjan’ is edited by Dr.  Kanwanjit Dhillon and Surjit Kaur  followed by papers presented by Surinder Kaur (Ludhiana), Dr Surjit Bhatti (Patiala) and Dr. Jaskiran Mathur (New York). Famous critique Prof. Satish Verma also spoke about the book and explained the status of women in our society. He said Women is born immigrant worldwide. She is supposed to leave home of her parents and settle with in laws family which is also immigration in itself. She is the main creator of the world. The plight and pain expressed in ‘Koonjan’ is not immigrant’s pain but its related to every women of the world.

Dr Vinita, Khalsa College Delhi, winner of Sahitya Acadamy prize spoke in length about the book Koonjan. She said women have a social subordinate status in the whole world since it’s a result of patriarchal society. Women have their head high wherever there is a matriarchal society. 

Third session was dealt with the challenges of Punjabi immigrant women. 63 years old social psychologist Aruna Papp gave her detailed personal account and shared her pain and agonies being a boggy puller of so-called Indian culture. She told about those situations she faced back home in India where her father had six daughters and a son, married to abusive husband made her life a living hell and when she tried to get divorce from him, she was faced in numerous challenges from within the family.  She told, there are no communication channels in Indian household, particularly with the female members of the family. A daughter has to communicate with the help of mother in case she needs to convey some message. She was 56 years old when she got her first communication with her father. A tale of agonies she wrote in her book “Unworthy Creature”. She had gone to UN representing case of Canadian women last year as well. She analysed the difference between domestic violence and honor killing and its modus operandi. She told the house that there have been 22 honor killings in Canada till now.

 Dr. Maria Wallis from Ryerson University gave details of the racial discrimination being practice under the skin in Canada. She told, many highly educated South Asian professionals are being sidelined by the authorities here in GTA. She told that 55% population of Peel region is racialized by the system. People paying taxes but they are not being given equal opportunities in jobs and executives. She called upon the community to get organized and fight back to have their genuine share in the society.

Research scholar Jaspreet Kaur from Queen University also spoke about her experiences from India and Canadian society. She emphasised to keep the best virtue from Indian culture but to shun all stereo typed behavior.

 

Last session was a colorful bouquet of cultural events. Uzma Mehmood, Kavita Gupta, Sunder Pal, Syeda Nujhat Siddiqui enchanted the audience with their classy poetry. Baby Bhatti performed a Katthak Dance which was widely appreciated by the audience.

Proceeding of the conference continued for eight long hours where 26 speakers spoke on the issues, two chorus were performed, six poetesses graced audience with their emphatic poetry and one dance performance was conducted. About 300 people attended the conference, so many plaques were distributed to distinguished people, it was a dream come true for Dr Kanwaljit Dhillon who conceived the idea for this conference and successfully touched the chord of ailing society i.e. South Asian Immigrant community, Punjabi in particular.

Fighting for the Rights in -40 degree isn’t a joke: Strike of Steel Workers, Brampton

Jan 27^th, 2014 its 16^th day of the steel workers strike, sitting 24X7 from Jan 12^th in two different pickets. 12 to 14 workers are divided in these two pickets bringing down the production to level zero. While we were watching TV, drinking beer and having a cozy time with our families, 60 workers of a lucrative Johnsen Matthey  (130 Glidden Rd Brampton ) Steel Metal works company lit the fire against greedy management who refuse to increase their pay and improve their pension plan and other benefits.

Steel Workers struggle must be seen in the backdrop when Ontario government is under pressure to increase the minimum wage from $10.25 to $14 per hour. Inc. Canada is on the spree to squeeze positive flow of the benefits to its work force rather interested to employ more and more hands
through employment agencies and get the maximum output from Temporary workers without sharing the social responsibility by providing them a good wage, retirement plans, health and medical benefits etc. Social security cover is shrinking every year and thus creating huge piles of profit for Corporate sectors of Canada. One should not forget the historic statement of Ex Governor of Bank of Canada who said on the record in 2012 that more than $526 Billion surplus money is sitting idle in the bank and its Corporate Canada who is not investing in the market and not creating jobs anymore. This Idle amount in USA is estimated over $5 Trillions.

Canadian Govt under Conservative Harper regime has been notorious to roll back benefits from social sector and proactively busy with US administration to become a junior partner in all its imperial overseas adventures from Afghanistan to Libya. Canada seems to be more interested to show its tiny muscles in league with USA, they have huge funds to buy F35 for unknown security threats however its safest country in the world having border with USA which its historic ally  and enjoy unquestionable friendship and on the other hand it does not have sufficient funds for its Ex Military personals who have followed the orders of their masters in Europe, Iraq and Afghanistan or elsewhere and now they are fighting for their rights all over the country. They are not being given even their medical claims.

Working class of Canada is under tremendous pressure since cost of living are increasing, be it grocery bills or gas and on the contrary wages are dropping down drastically, particularly in GTA area. Working class people like Truckers, Factory Workers, Fork Lift Drivers were making more money 20 years before in less hours. They were having a comfortable life and enjoying more hours with their families now, the same working group is working like a mule more hours and making less money, paying more against his mortgage, insurance and utility bills ending up in more miserable life.

Steel Workers of Johnsen Matthey are waging the struggle by becoming voice of millions of working class families. They are getting some positive sign from management as they are inclined for a negotiation. Their possible victory could pave way for many more organized union to put up a legitimate fight against greed of Corporate world which has the same character worldwide consequently Working class of the world too have the same character which is Class Struggle. Workers of Johnsen Matthey are braving a fight sitting in their barely equipped pickets under -20 to -40 temperatures, the spirit of their resistance was great and morale was high. Dev, rightly said, ‘One has to sacrifice. We got it because somebody sacrificed 100 years before, now we are doing it and everybody will be benefited’ Greg, agreed by showing  his ‘thumps up’ as a valid justification.

Various representatives from different unions are visiting their pickets to show their solidarity with Coffee and food stuff, passer by honks the horn of their cars, establishing a connection with civil support to the striking workers.