•would i do it again? Letter from the Perspective of a Person on the Komagata Maru

[Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Today's Date] Dear [Recipient's Name], My name is Karamjeet Singh, and I am a 28-year-old male from a small village called Nakodar in Punjab, India. I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirit. I am writing to share my harrowing experience aboard the Komagata Maru, hoping to shed light on the challenges and struggles we faced as immigrants trying to find a better life. I, like many others, wanted to come to Canada seeking better opportunities, economic prosperity, and hoping to escape the hardships I faced back in my village. We had heard tales of a land with vast resources and opportunities, and I hoped to establish a better future for myself and my family. In April 1914, I boarded the Komagata Maru in Hong Kong with so much hope and anticipation. There was a mix of emotions as we set sail from Hong Kong, with some fear, excitement, and the dream of what could have been our new home. We knew challenges awaited us, but with determination and hope, we thought only of victory. Upon arriving in Vancouver in May 1914, I initially felt relieved and excited. Our long journey that began in Hong Kong, with stops in Yokohama and Shanghai, had finally come to an end. Unfortunately, this excitement quickly turned into despair, for we were met with hostility, prejudice, and discrimination from the local community and officials. When we were anchored in Vancouver harbour for two months, life on the ship became challenging. There were over 300 passengers, and we faced a shortage of supplies, water, and medical assistance as local authorities and citizens refused to aid us. The continuous stress, suffering, and uncertainty profoundly impacted our mental and emotional well-being. The day came when we were escorted out of Vancouver, and I cannot begin to describe the feeling of disappointment and desperation that filled our hearts. We had been refused a better life simply because of our origin, and we now faced an uncertain and perilous journey back to Asia. We were eventually forced to disembark in Budge Budge, India, far from our original homes. The circumstances that followed were desolate; many passengers faced hardships, and some even lost their lives due to the conflict between the police and the passengers. I was fortunate enough to eventually find my way back to my village in Punjab, but the memories of our ordeal will forever stay with me. Today, I continue to share my story, hoping to shed light on the struggles we faced. Despite the challenges, I cling to the belief that the world is full of opportunities, and with perseverance and hope, I still strive for change and a better life. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. My story is not unique, but rather one of the many that emerged from the Komagata Maru incident. It is my hope that by telling these stories, we may foster understanding, empathy, and a better future for all. Yours sincerely, Karamjeet Singh