Call to Honour Sikh Struggle: Akal Takht Acting Jathedar Wants Official Recognition for Guru Nanak Jahaz Day

Amritsar, July 23(Nazrana Times Network)

In a historic appeal on the 111th anniversary of the forced return of the Guru Nanak Jahaz from Canada, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has urged the Government of India, the Punjab Government, and Sikh institutions to officially recognize July 23 as ‘Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day’.

The Jathedar emphasized that this day marks a crucial chapter in the Sikh community’s history and India's freedom movement. In 1914, under the leadership of Ghadar revolutionary Baba Gurdit Singh, 377 Indian immigrants—341 of them Sikhs—were denied entry into Canada due to discriminatory immigration laws. The ship they traveled on, chartered by the Guru Nanak Steamship Company, was named Guru Nanak Jahaz, though it is widely misidentified in history books as the Komagata Maru.

"Canada has taken a progressive step," said Jathedar Gargajj, referring to Surrey and Vancouver officially observing July 23 as Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day. "It is time India follows suit by recognizing the correct name and acknowledging this moment of resistance and spiritual endurance."

According to the Jathedar, the voyage from Hong Kong to Canada was marked by the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Akhand Path Sahib, and the Nishan Sahib on board—demonstrating the ship’s deep spiritual identity, reflective of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s values.

He criticized Indian educational curricula for continuing to refer to the ship by its colonial name and called on universities and academic institutions to correct the historical record by using Guru Nanak Jahaz, the name confirmed in Baba Gurdit Singh’s autobiography.

“This was not just an immigration episode,” he said. “It was a powerful resistance to racism and an inspiration for India’s freedom struggle. Baba Gurdit Singh deserves to be remembered alongside the great heroes of our independence movement.”

Jathedar Gargajj expressed gratitude to Canadian city councils and Sikh organizations that have ensured the true history is remembered and respected. He urged widespread observance of July 23 to honour this legacy and inspire future generations.

Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day: Jathedar Gargajj Calls for July 23 Recognition in India

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Why July 23 Should Be Declared Guru Nanak Jahaz Day in India – Akal Takht Acting Jathedar’s Appeal