Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Tarlochan Singh Seeks Martyrs' Day for Komagata Maru Incident
Imagine a ship called Komagata Maru carrying many Sikh people to Canada in 1914, but Canada wouldn't let them in.
After waiting a long time, the ship went back to India.
When they arrived at Budge Budge Ghat in Kolkata, some people were shot.
Tarlochan Singh wants the government of West Bengal to remember these people every year on September 29.
He points out that Canada remembers the event, and West Bengal should do the same.
Tarlochan Singh requests West Bengal CM to declare September 29 as Komagata Maru Martyrs' Day.
The request commemorates Sikhs killed at Budge Budge Ghat in 1914 after returning from Canada.
The ship, also known as Guru Nanak Jahaz, was denied entry to Canada.
Singh wants the state government and Municipal Corporation to organize the day annually.
He highlights Canada's remembrance efforts and the need for similar recognition in West Bengal.
- Who
- Tarlochan Singh, a former MP, requested West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. The passengers of the Komagata Maru, primarily Sikhs, are the focus.
- What
- Tarlochan Singh requested that September 29th be declared as Komagata Maru Martyrs' Day.
- When
- The event to be commemorated happened in 1914, and the request was made recently.
- Where
- The event occurred at Budge Budge Ghat, Kolkata. The ship was denied entry to Canada.
- Why
- To commemorate the Sikhs killed after the Komagata Maru ship returned to India after being denied entry to Canada.
Current State Actions
International Recognition
Recognition of the Event
Current State Actions
West Bengal government has not officially recognized the day.
International Recognition
Canada and some city councils have remembrance events and apologized.
- Requested Commemoration
- Komagata Maru Martyrs' Day
- Date of Remembrance
- September 29
- Location of Incident
- Budge Budge Ghat, Kolkata
- Year of Incident
- 1914
- Ship's Name
- Komagata Maru (Guru Nanak Jahaz)
- Requestor
- Tarlochan Singh