NRIs urge recognition of Canada’s tribute to Punjabi community
NRIs settled in various provinces of Canada have called on religious leaders and activists to acknowledge the efforts of successive Canadian governments in honouring the Punjabi community. Over the years, Canada has shown special respect for Punjabis by naming streets, parks and buildings after Sikh Gurus, prominent Punjabi figures and family names. These NRIs expressed their intention to protect communal harmony between Hindus and Sikhs in Canada, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Gurdeep Singh Grewal, an NRI from Phallewal village in Malerkotla, noted there is no city or province in Canada without landmarks named in recognition of Sikh Gurus or Punjabi personalities. He praised Canada for being a leader in respecting the sentiments of the Punjabi community, particularly through the naming of roads, streets and public spaces after influential figures and families. Grewal also called on community leaders in both Canada and Punjab to reciprocate the Canadian government’s gestures by opposing groups attempting to spread hatred between Sikhs and Hindus on unfounded grounds.
Sudhir Kalia from Brampton echoed these thoughts, urging people with vested interests to avoid inciting division among young people and disrupting the harmony among different communities. He said Sikhs and Hindus have enjoyed a special status in Canada, reflected in the many public spaces and signboards named after Punjabi personalities. He added, for example, that Guru Nanak Marg in Surrey, connecting 72 Avenue to Guru Nanak Sikh, is considered a symbol of the respect the Canadian government has for the Sikh community. Roads and streets leading to Hindu religious institutions are similarly named, such as Khalsa Drive near Gurdwara Ontario Khalsa Darbar in Mississauga.
Other examples include Mahatma Gandhi Way in Winnipeg, leading to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and streets named in honour of Indian artists, such as Raj Kapoor Crescent in Brampton and Alla Rakha Rahman Street in Ontario. The legacy of Niranjan Singh Grewal, the first NRI mayor of a city in British Columbia in 1952, is commemorated by Grewal Crescent. Additional streets and parks, such as Cheema Drive, Kapur Region Park, and Sohan Singh Bhullar Park, further demonstrate Canada’s respect for the Punjabi community.
The Komagata Maru incident, a significant moment in Canadian history, is also recognised with the naming of parks and buildings, adding to the many tributes that honour the Punjabi community’s contributions to Canadian society.
