Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today visited the “beautiful, meaningful” Golden Temple in Amritsar today, and as part of ‘seva’, or ‘service’, he rolled ‘chapatis’ at the communal kitchen there.
An overwhelmed Trudeau also recorded his thoughts in the visitors’ book at the Sikhs’ holiest shrine.
“What an honour to be so well received at such a beautiful, meaningful place. We are filled with grace and humility,” said Trudeau after paying his respects at the temple, which he visited with his wife and children.
His visit will gladden the hearts of the 5 lakh Sikh-Canadians back home.
Two years ago, Trudeau apologised in the Canadian parliament for the Komagata Maru episode.
In 1914, Canada refused to let most of 376 passengers from Punjab, a majority of them Sikh, on board the Japanese steamship Komagata Maru, get off the ship. The vessel, which had sailed from Hong Kong to Vancouver, was forced to return to what was then British India.
“This year, we mark the 102nd anniversary of Komagata Maru incident. The passengers of the ship, like the millions of immigrants to Canada since, were seeking refuge and better life for their families. With so much to contribute to their new home, which was Canada, and we failed them utterly,” said Trudeau a month before the apology.
Source:TOI
