Honoring Victoria’s Trailblazer: The Story of Its First Sikh Voter

As Canadians prepare to vote and Sikh Heritage Month unfolds, a Punjabi-Canadian woman reflects on her family’s significant contributions to the Sikh community in Canada.

Battan Singh Beadall was one of the first from his family to arrive in Canada in 1912, after a long ship journey from Punjab. He found work with the Canadian Pacific Railway in Vancouver but witnessed a troubling moment in history when the Komagata Maru docked. Most of the Sikh passengers were denied entry, and many were forced to wait on board for two months due to strict immigration laws targeting people from British India.

Beadall didn’t stand by; he volunteered with a local committee to provide food and support to those stranded passengers. His actions were a testament to his commitment to helping others in his community. After the Komagata Maru departed, Beadall moved to Victoria, one of the first laborers helping to build the Empress Hotel.

Battan Singh returned to India from time to time for family visits. Under the restrictive immigration laws, many immigrants, like him, faced significant hurdles in bringing their families to Canada. It wasn’t until 1919 that Indian women and children could immigrate more freely.

In 1929, Battan returned to Canada with his son, Mahinder Singh Beadall. The two began working together, boosting their lives in a new land. Mahinder quickly learned English, allowing him to bridge the gap between Indian immigrants and Canadian authorities.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Mahinder played an active role in the Gurdwara and set up the first Punjabi school there. He also ran a travel agency and eventually started a fuel business, all while working hard to reunite his family in Canada.

This was a time of tension in British Columbia, with growing resentment among European-Canadians against Asian immigrants. Amid the Great Depression, racist sentiments flourished, and many South Asians were denied basic rights, including the right to vote. In 1939, Battan Singh and a small group of Sikh leaders traveled to Ottawa to advocate for legal recognition for immigrants who had overstayed their visas.

Their efforts paid off. Thanks to their campaigning, families could reunite in Canada, marking a significant victory for the community. The Khalsa Diwan Society heightened pressures on the provincial government, which eventually amended the Elections Act in 1947, granting voting rights to Chinese and Indian immigrants.

In 1948, Mahinder Singh became the first Sikh to cast a ballot in Victoria, a proud moment for the community.

Both Battan Singh and Mahinder Singh dedicated their lives to supporting South Asian immigrants well into the latter half of the 20th century. Their legacy includes Mahinder’s recognition with an Honourary Citizen Award for decades of community service.

As this year marks pivotal moments in both the political landscape and community festivities like Vaisakhi, it’s essential to acknowledge the foundational work of past generations. Moreover, according to recent surveys, a growing number of Canadians are embracing multiculturalism, reflecting the ongoing impact of stories like those of the Beadalls on the Canadian identity today.

Sikhs will gather to celebrate Vaisakhi, the most important festival in their calendar, illustrating how far the community has come through struggle and perseverance.



Source link

Breaking News|Vaisakhi|sikh heritage month