THE Indo-Canadian Workers’ Association (ICWA) of Canada organised its annual Public Mela on August 14 at Stetson Boyal Stadium in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. This year’s mela was dedicated to the Gadhar martyrs of 1916 -- Babu Harnam Singh Sahri, Sohal Lal Pathik, Beer Singh Bahowal, Uttam Singh Haans and Easher Singh Thudike among others. The event also marked the 300^THanniversary of martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur. The mela started with the inauguration of an exhibition on Gadhar heroes.

Cultural and social functions followed by a political programme and other activities were organised during the event. Democratic and progressive minded people in large numbers attended the events. Surinder Sangha addressed the gathering on behalf of ICWA. In his speech, Sangha explained the importance of organising such events and asked the people to follow the Gadharite who made tremendous sacrifices in the Indian freedom struggle. He said he wanted India to progress and prosper, and not divided on communal lines which will hamper its forward march. Dividing the people of communal lines is against the Gadhaites’ vision of India, he said.

On this occasion, a souvenir was released which was dedicated to the Gadhar heroes of 1916 and great warrior Banda Singh Bahadur. Several thousand copies of the souvenir were distributed among the audience which was well-received by the people. Sheetal Singh Sangha of Desh Bhagat Yadgar Jalandhar, Jinny Sims and Surinder Dhesi were among those who addressed the gathering. Kulwant Dhesi moderated the event. Makhan Basi from the USA also attended the programme. There were several attractions in the mela like food stalls, bookshop and Taraksheel Society’s stall and entertainment and joy rides for children.

ICWA volunteers Jagari Singh Samra, Parmajit Gandhri, Pinder Badesha, Amarjit Brar, Karmjit Gill, Swaranjit Gill, Bahadur Malhi, Jaspreet Toor, Harinder Singh Sandhu, Kirpal Singh Johal, Jhalman Singh Koonar, Surinder Takhar, Hardeep Gill, Laimber Sahota Surjeet Gill and Gurmeet Basi played active role in organising the mela. The event ended with honouring several guests and local police authorities for their help and support.

Earlier on July 17, ICWA commemorated the 300^TH anniversary of martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur by organising a play at Bell Performing Centre, Surrey, in cooperation with Progressive Arts Association of Alberta, under the direction of Prof. Davinder Daman. The play highlighted the contribution made by the great warrior for land reforms. A pamphlet was distributed in Punjabi dedicated to the great warrior.