DR. HARI SHARMA FOUNDATION COMMEMORATES SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITY WINNING THE RIGHT TO VOTE
Harinder Mahil
The South Asian community won the right to vote in British Columbia on April 2, 1947. Dr. Hari Sharma Foundation commemorated this important day by organizing a Community Banquet on April 4 in Surrey where it honoured the Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians (CPPC) and a Montreal based Community Activist Dolores Chew for their significant contribution to the community.
Dr. Sadhu Binning, a Board member of the Dr. Hari Sharma Foundation spoke about the importance of the day and the South Asian community’s struggle to win the right to vote. Dr. Binning dedicated his presentation to Naginder Singh Gill, Darshan Singh Canadian, and Dr. D. P. Pandia, for playing an extremely important role in the long struggle to win the right to vote.
Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labor spoke at the banquet about South Asian workers facing overt racism and even violence. He said that, “they were excluded from entire industries, and shamefully, from many unions. They were denied the right to vote; they were denied basic dignity at every turn. No door opened to them without a struggle.”
Shahzad Nazir Khan spoke on behalf of the Committee for Progressive Pakistanis and thanked the Hari Sharma Foundation for the award and pledged to continue the important work undertaken by the Committee in a progressive and secular manner.
He reminded the audience that the Committee works to advance social, economic, and political justice in both Canada and Pakistan through non-violent struggle, solidarity, and public engagement. He stated that, “the organization champions universal human rights, gender and social equality, labour and working-class movements, environmental protection, and strong public institutions.”
Dolores Chew delivered the 2026 Dr. Hari Sharma Memorial Lecture. The title of the lecture was: “The Fragile Edge: Why Democracy Demands Constant Vigilance.” She asked if democracy boils down to voting every few years. “We live in times when these questions and issues are far from academic”, she said. “In Canada, in the province in which I live, Quebec, and elsewhere, south of the border in the USA and in my country of origin, India and elsewhere, democracy has been perverted to become majoritarian dominance,” said Dolores Chew.
She stated that during difficult times it is important to remember that success comes with struggle. “And to struggle we must be inspired and to be inspired we must dream and to dream we must have hope,” stated Ms. Chew.
Dolores Chew stated that ordinary people can take action to protect democracy. She gave an example of the Muslim women of Shaheen Bagh in Delhi who in December 2019 – March 2020 made global headlines when they started a spontaneous grassroots protest movement, staged a sit-in and occupied a highway. Most of them were women who had not participated in political action before. But they left their homes, galvanized by the injustice of laws that could make most of them and their families ‘foreigners’ in their own homes and country.
Ms. Chew stated that when ordinary people challenge draconian policies and assert their rights, change can happen. “The Shaheen Bagh protests also demonstrate that democracy and the thirst for democracy is not just the purview of privileged political classes,” said Dolores Chew.
She also gave the amazing example of democracy in action with the Indian Farmers’ Protest and Strike that happened over the course of a year from 2020-2021 in a very hot summer and a very cold winter. She applauded the farmers’ protest for making history that pushed back the government’s attempt to corporatize Indian agriculture.
It was truly inspiring and a meaningful occasion for all who attended.
The commemoration of the historic day when our community secured the right to vote in the province served as a powerful reminder of the struggles, resilience, and determination of those who came before us. It is through their efforts that we are able to participate fully in civic life today.
Equally moving was the opportunity to honour the members of the Committee for Progressive Pakistanis and Dolores Chew for their significant contributions to the community. Their dedication and service continue to strengthen and uplift us all, and it was fitting that we recognized their achievements in such a thoughtful manner. It was a proud moment for the Hari Sharma Foundation and a reminder of the important role it plays in preserving our history and advancing our shared values.
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