The Bi-Annual Conference of Indo-Canadian Workers’ Association was held on November 13, 2022 at the Bombay Banquet Hall in Surrey. It was attended by more than 400 delegates from different walks of life. A sizeable chunk of youth participated in the conference as well. The report of the organizational activities of ICWA was presented in the conference. The general secretary of the ICWA, Professor Harinderjit Sandhu, presented the report of the work of the last three years.
The study of human history, imparts the message of struggle. Based on this message, our pioneers fought against discrimination and injustices who came here in the last century . It is because of their struggle that we have our rights today.
It was with this aim of ‘struggle’ that the Indo-Canadian Workers Association started on October 16, 1977, at Cedar Hill Park Hall Surrey, under the leadership of Sathi Pyara Singh Basi of Bundala district Jalandhar, India. A Punjabi monthly newspaper Lokta was also published under the leadership of the association which continued till the 1992. Racism was very prevalent in those days. White racists used to harass the houses of non-white communities, especially people of East Indian origin by pelting stones, breaking glass, etc. The association revolted against it and tried to stop these kind of activities. Until 1982, comrade Gurcharan Singh Randhawa, and later Comrade Harkishan Singh Surjit continued to guide our association. General secretary of CPI(M) comrade Sita Ram Yechury continues to give guidance, even now.
ICWA has been continuously working in the community, on social and political issues. The period of terrorism in Punjab also had an impact in Canada, and many incidents started happening. The youths from Punjab in Canada also came under its influence. Many killings in the province of BC also affected our community. ICWA vehemently stood against this trend. Although, the situation is a lot better now, however, the association remains vigilant even today.
The Indian community is living in Canada for more than a hundred years now, and during this time history has witnessed two major events. Indian War of Independence, the ‘Gadar movement’, and the ‘turning of the Kamagata Maru ship’. Through this history, ICWA keeps remembering the struggles of thousands of soldiers by doing various events.
The basic principles of the organization lay down these objectives-
⁃ Standing against racism
⁃ Being a bearer of secularism
⁃ Fighting against economic inequality
⁃ Being casteless
⁃ To have basic human rights
⁃ Fighting against social inequality
⁃ Stand against sectarianism and all forms of terrorism
⁃ To maintain the patriotic traditions of the Indian community
⁃ Protecting democracy and free thinking
⁃ To work for the construction of a humanist society
The organization has been upholding these principles since 1977 and believes in following them with proven steps.
In order to achieve these principles, ICWA continues to make appropriate efforts for the welfare of the community. And, in the coming time, it will be beneficial for building a just and a more humane society both in India and Canada.
Even though the last two and a half years have been affected by Corona, still ICWA has continued its activities even at this time. Following the guidelines issued by the Department of Health or the BC Government, ICWA continued its activities. Big gatherings could not be held at this time, but through social media, ICWA actively participated and supported many economic and social welfare works.
After the last meeting of July 2019, so far about 700 members have become members of this organization. We appeal to all of you to participate in it.
Details of last three years’ work——
As in the last session, four resolutions were passed, as follows;
(1) to abolish the MSP,
(2) to make the minimum wage fifteen dollars,
(3) to implement the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the teachers.
All these were implemented in full due to the pressure and cooperation of the other groups along with ICWA
On 11th August 2019, a Gadri Memorial Celebrations(Mela) was organized in the open ground in the memory of the Gadri Babas and an informative magazine was released. An exhibition of photographs of Gadri warriors was held. It attracted thousands of folks.
All possible support was given to the historic farmers movement in India. ICWA lobbied for the passage of petitions in the municipalities of Greater Vancouver in favour of the farmers’ movement. After the victory of Kisan Andolan, Fateh Day was celebrated at the Empire Hall in Surrey.
ICWA is doing good job for the community and humanities.
Good job for the community