Revolutionary Punjabi poet who was assassinated by the Sikh separatists was remembered in Surrey on Sunday afternoon.

To mark the 25th martyrdom anniversary of Paash, who was murdered by the members of the Khalistan Commando Force in 1988, Apna Paash – a documentary based on his life and work was shown at the Surrey City Central Library followed by discussion and questions and answers session.

The director of the film, Rajeev Kumar was in the attendance and took questions from the audience that included relatives of Paash and representatives of several progressive South Asian groups.
Kumar recalled how the documentary was made in early 1990s during difficult times on account of paucity of funds. “We were forced to rely on very basic technology and had to produce this film with very limited sources.’’

This was Kumar’s first documentary which is based on interviews with family, friends and allies of Paash. Kumar is also credited for making films based on social justice and other sensitive issues. His recent film, Nabar based on human trafficking received national award in India.

The event was organized by the Chetna Association and Watan Magazine. Later, Kumar was honoured by the organizers for promoting people’s cinema. Among those present on the occasion were the former BC Premier Ujjal Dosanjh and his wife and a leader of the India Mahila Assocation, Raminder Dosanjh.

Among the speakers were prominent authors, Sukhwant Hundal and Sadhu Binning, besides, Harjit Daudhria of the Communist Party of Canada and the Indo Canadian Workers’ Association Organizer, Kulwant Dhesi. Among others present were the Chetna Association leader Jai Birdi, Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians leader Saif Khalid and Taraksheel Sabha office bearers Avtar Gill and Parminder Swaich.