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Description
Group portrait of Raminder Dosanjh presentng a certificate to the Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) on behalf of her husband, former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh, at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

​Raminder Dosanjh is a Canadian educator and community activist, recognized for her contributions to women's rights and social services. After immigrating to Canada in 1970, she co-founded the India Mahila Association, focusing on supporting South Asian women facing domestic challenges and advocating for their empowerment. Dosanjh has also been involved with organizations such as MOSAIC Immigrant Services Centre and the Vancouver Multicultural Society, contributing to immigrant integration and multicultural initiatives. In recognition of her decades-long service, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Shakti Awards.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Group portrait of Kamilla Singh receiving a plaque at a fashion show held by the South Asian Family Association at Fraserview Hall in Vancouver, B.C.

Kamilla Singh is an activist and media personality in the Fijian community, who is known as the producer and director of Asian Pulse TV, which has been on air for 22 years. She founded the Fiji Professional Women's Network, and has worked as a counsellor, vitim support worker, advocate, and human rights defender for the past 25 years. Some of her initiatives include organizing anti-racism events. providing support for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and partnering with the Fiji Disaster Relief Society. In 2006, the Vancouver Sun named has a one of the 100 most influential people in British Columbia.

The South Asian Family Association (SAFA) is a non-profit organization that aims to highlight the South Asian community and culture. SAFA was formed in 2002 with goals to promote positive images of the South Asian community, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and empower families to maintain their heritage while embracing Canadian culture.

Located on Fraser Street, Fraserview Hall has been a staple venue for various South Asian Canadian community events in Vancouver, B.C. over the past two decades.
Description
Photograph of Chandra Bodalia receiving a plaque at a fashion show held by the South Asian Family Association at Fraserview Hall in Vancouver, B.C.

Born in 1948 in Sisodra, a village in Gujarat, India, Chandravadan "Chandra" Bodalia was a talented artist who pursued higher education in commercial arts and painting at the prestigious Sheth C. N. College of Fine Arts in Ahmedabad. After immigrating to Canada in 1976, Bodalia settled in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he initially worked various jobs, including creating art props and souvenirs for cultural events. In the late 1980s, Bodalia embarked on a career as a photojournalist, documenting the lives of South Asian Canadians with unparalleled dedication. Bodalia photographed important events for the South Asian Canadian community across B.C. and highlighted the unique stories and experiences of the community. He covered a range of events and various facets of life, from community programs and celebrations to cradle to grave events such as weddings, birthdays, cultural festivals, honoring events, political gatherings, and religious ceremonies. The photographs also reflect the intercultural connections and collaborations within the immigrant communities in Canada as well as transnational ties to the South Asian region. Bodalia's work appeared in local newspapers such as The Voice and The Link, earning him widespread recognition and over 20 awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Times of Canada. Bodalia passed away in 2017.

The South Asian Family Association (SAFA) is a non-profit organization that aims to highlight the South Asian community and culture. SAFA was formed in 2002 with goals to promote positive images of the South Asian community, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and empower families to maintain their heritage while embracing Canadian culture.

Located on Fraser Street, Fraserview Hall has been a staple venue for various South Asian Canadian community events in Vancouver, B.C. over the past two decades.
Description
Photograph of dance performers receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.
Description
Group portrait of (First Name Unknown) Grewal receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.
Description
Group portrait of Taranum Thind receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.
Description
Group portrait of Taranum Thind receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.
Description
Group portrait of Jatinder Nijjar receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.
Description
Group portrait of Jatinder Banwalt receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.
Description
Group portrait of an unidentified man receiving a plaque at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.