ON December 8, continuing the tradition of the Indo Canadian Workers Association (ICWA), annual calendar was released at Surrey, Canada in Strawberry Hill Library. The calendar was dedicated to the Gadar movement heroes who laid down their lives for the freedom movement of India and to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre which took place 100 years ago. Observing the centenary of the massacre, in which nearly 1,000 innocent people were killed, the ICWA held a large meeting in which people from all walks of life participated. Every year the ICWA re-dedicates itself to the principles of solemn sacrifice of the Gadar movement, which were for a better humane society.

Jinny Sims, minister of government services, Harry Bains labour minister and Jagroop Brar, chairman of the NDP (New Democratic Party) and member of the legislative assembly also joined.

ICWA secretary Harinderjit Sandhu welcomed the gathering and explained the purpose of the meeting. Surinder Dhesi who is the president of the ICWA, spoke in detail about the bloodshed in the Jallianwala Bagh and the consequences it had on the independence movement. 

Kulwant Dhesi who is the organiser of ICWA spoke about the nefarious designs of some of the Punjabi news outlets which are spreading lies and misinformation in Vancouver.

Surinder Sangha, media co-ordinator of the ICWA in his remarks stated that the Jallianwala Bagh massacre changed the format of the national movement. It is a symbol of communal harmony where all the communities shed their blood together for country’s independence. On behalf of the ICWA he urged the provincial ministers who were present to recognise the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in the form of a proclamation.

Labour minister recognised the struggle of ICWA for the ordinary people. He felt proud of his long association with the ICWA. Jinny Sims and Jagroop Brar spoke how their government in British Columbia province was working hard to fulfill the promises made during the election time and how it (NDP government) is working to improve and uplift the lives of the common people after the long cutbacks of the previous right wing government.