Archive · 23 Jul 2025
MP Seeks Recognition of Komagata Maru as 'Guru Nanak Jahaj'
A member of the Rajya Sabha is asking for a ship called 'Komagata Maru' to be remembered as 'Guru Nanak Jahaj'.
This ship carried many people from Hong Kong to Canada over 100 years ago.
The ship was not allowed to let passengers disembark.
When it returned to India, some passengers were killed.
The Rajya Sabha member wants the ship's name changed and to honor the passengers who died.
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal wrote to the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.
Seechewal wants the Komagata Maru ship to be recognized as 'Guru Nanak Jahaj'.
He also requested the commemoration of July 23rd annually.
The ship, carrying 376 passengers, was named 'Guru Nanak Jahaj' by Baba Gurdit Singh.
The ship returned to India, with 19 passengers martyred by British forces.
- Who
- Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal wrote to the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.
- What
- Rajya Sabha member wants recognition of the Komagata Maru ship as 'Guru Nanak Jahaj' and commemoration of July 23.
- When
- The letter was written on July 23rd, concerning events from 1914.
- Where
- The events involve travel between Hong Kong, Canada, and India.
- Why
- To officially recognize the ship's original name and honor the martyrs of the event.
Current Historical View
Proposed View
Ship's Name
Current Historical View
The ship is known as Komagata Maru.
Proposed View
The ship was originally named Guru Nanak Jahaj by Baba Gurdit Singh.
- Ship's Original Name
- Guru Nanak Jahaj
- Year of Departure from Hong Kong
- 1914
- Number of Passengers
- 376
- Passenger Breakdown
- 340 Sikhs, 12 Hindus, 24 Muslims
- Departure from Canada
- July 23, 1914
- Fatalities at Bajbaj Ghat
- 19