The Sikhs in Canada: From Kama Gata Maru to Parliament Hill

Almost a hundred years ago, a ship with about 350 passengers aboard docked in Vancouver harbour.  No one was allowed to land and the ship battered with months long sea storms placed under siege by Canadian navy instead. Helplessness of the passengers as well as their sympathizers on ground knew no bounds.  Dismayed and broken hearted Baba Gurdit Singh, the Chief Organizer, had to sail back.  Almost a hundred years later, right at the same spot, amidst glitter and glamour, a celebration was going on.  It was to mark the first centennial of Khalasa Diwan Society Vancouver, the oldest Sikh Society that walked side by side with community in its historic journey.  Almost all Sikh political figures along with Canadian heavy weights were present there.  History repeats itself, sometime, in a strange way…!