Komagata Maru memorial park opens in Brampton

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 24

To commemorate the 1914 infamous Komagata Maru tragedy wherein the then Canadian Government had turned away more than 376 Indians seeking entry into the country, the Ontario government has opened Komagata Maru Memorial Park in Brampton.

It was for the first time that such a commemorative site has been put in place in any province of Canada other than British Columbia.

The opening of the Komagata Memorial Maru Park was hosted by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and city councilors on Saturday.

The park is situated right next to the Springdale Branch Library and has a playground, splash pad, picnic area, shade structure, a garden and a water feature.

The event, which was opened with the traditional smudging ceremony, was attended by the descendants of the survivors of the ship and a large number of city residents.

The park featurs an electronic display board highlighting local events, the Komagata Maru tragedy and triumphs and struggles of immigrants.

“The park is a good initiative, which will continue to reflect how we (Punjabis) came here in Canada, worked hard and what was our contribution to the multiculturalism concept of the country,” said Balbir Sohi, a member of the Peel District School Education Board, while talking to The Tribune.

The 1914 incident 

• The Komagata Maru, a chartered Japanese ship, set off from Hong Kong on April 4, 1914, and reached the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia on May 22 
• All 376 passengers aboard were denied entry
• The ship remained docked at the harbour for two months before it was forced by the Canadian authorities to return to India