THE Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the departure of Komagata Maru from Canada on Wednesday, July 23 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 – 135th Street, Surrey.
The event keynote speaker is Richard Bird, grandson of Edward Bird, lawyer representing the passengers of Komagata Maru 100 years ago. Hugh Johnston, noted author and researcher on the subject will also talk about his new work on the history of the ship.
Tickets for the event are priced at $50 each. Students and seniors can get the tickets for $25 and people with disabilities will receive free tickets. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Surrey Food Bank.
Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation was formed to create awareness and educate Canadians about the Komagata Maru incident through collaborations between community members and organizations.
This year they embarked on a journey to educate Canadians about the incident through a series of educational events and publications, a few of these include:
1. Releasing the Canada Post Commemorative Stamp in Vancouver on May 23, followed by an educational cruise for school children and the community at Burrard Inlet.
2. A souvenir chronicling articles, poems, and research papers on the Komagata Maru incident.
3. A commemorative dinner at the Musqueam Community Centre on May 24.
This year marks 100 years since the Komagata Maru landed on the shore of Vancouver. This significant event in Canadian history is being commemorated around the province through a series of educational events and exhibits.
May 28 was declared the Komagata Maru Remembrance Day by BC Legislature.
This was always in my heart registered as a very sad blight on the history of our country, Canada.