By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
As Asian Heritage Month wrapped up in Halton Region, one cinematic release stood out for its historical resonance and emotional impact.
The Punjabi-language film Guru Nanak’s Jahaz, directed by Sharan Art, premiered in cinemas across the region and the Greater Toronto Area following its worldwide release on May 1. The historical drama, funded in part by the Canadian government, explores the 1914 Komagata Maru incident, a key moment in Canada’s immigration history, through the lens of Sikh faith, resilience, and the struggle for justice.
The film struck a chord with South Asian communities in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, and surrounding areas. Local screenings drew large audiences and sparked conversations about identity, inclusion, and Canada’s complex past.
“I had read about the Komagata Maru in school, but seeing it portrayed on screen with such depth and emotion gave me chills,” said Rajdeep Sandhu, a third-generation Canadian whose great-grandparents immigrated from Punjab.
“This movie reminded me of the courage it took for our elders to fight for the right to simply be treated as human beings.”
On May 23, 1914, the Guru Nanak Jahaz steamship arrived in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet, carrying 376 passengers—340 Sikhs, 24 Muslims, and 12 Hindus, primarily from the Punjab region of India.
Seeking better opportunities in Canada, they were instead met with exclusion. Despite being British subjects, they were denied entry due to discriminatory immigration laws.
Confined to the ship without adequate food, water, or medical care, the passengers endured harsh conditions for two months. On July 23, 1914, the ship was ordered to turn back, forcing the passengers to return to India.
Tragically, upon arrival, 19 were killed by gunfire, and many others were injured or imprisoned, branded as political agitators.
The film uses historical records, personal accounts, and cultural insight to depict the voyage and its aftermath, bringing a little-known story to wider audiences.
Ayesha Malik, a Milton resident originally from Pakistan, brought her two teenage children to one of the screenings.
“As a South Asian Muslim woman, I found this film incredibly unifying,” she said.
“The story transcends religious boundaries—it’s about a shared struggle for dignity. Watching it with my children during Asian Heritage Month felt like an important way to honour our collective history in Canada.”
The screenings were part of a broader month-long celebration across Halton, which included cultural exhibits, storytelling initiatives, and panel discussions.
One such event, held in Oakville following a screening of Guru Nanak’s Jahaz, featured educators and historians reflecting on the impact of historical immigration policies and their lasting legacy.
“This movie helped me see my grandparents’ journey in a new light,” said Sanjay Krishnan, a young professional from Oakville.
“They arrived in the ’70s, decades after the Komagata Maru, but the themes of exclusion, hope, and resilience are the same.”
For many, the film was not only a tribute to the past but also a reminder of the work still required to build inclusive communities.
“We need more projects like this—especially ones that are accessible to young people,” said Shama Bano, one of the founding members of the Desi Moms group in Milton.
“It brings context and meaning to why we celebrate Asian Heritage Month, and why representation matters in our cultural storytelling.”
The Canadian government’s involvement in funding the film highlights the country’s commitment to preserving and sharing stories of South Asian heritage.
This support allowed the filmmakers to create a project that reaches both local and international audiences, shedding light on an important chapter of Canada’s history.
As Guru Nanak’s Jahaz continues its theatrical run, including strong box office numbers in India, it has emerged as one of the most successful Punjabi-language films of 2025.
For audiences in Halton Region, its impact extended beyond entertainment, offering a powerful lens through which to reflect on shared histories and future aspirations.
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