May

On January 21, 1912, Bhag Singh Bhikhiwind and Balwant Singh Atwal (Hardial Singh's father and temple priest) returned to Vancouver aboard the SS Monteagle with their wives Harnam Kaur, Kartar Kaur, and their children. The men, who were prominent leaders and activists in the Sikh community were allowed to re-enter the country.

Sadly, the women and children were detained by immigration officers who threatened their deportation. The Vancouver immigration official stated that, "Opening the door to Hindu women would carry with it the permanency of their community in Canada." In June 1912, after an adversarial legal battle and much protest by the Sikhs, the women and children were allowed to stay in Canada.

The Minister of the Interior, Robert Rogers made the decision to permit Harnam Kaur and Kartar Kaur but made it clear that this ruling was not precedent setting.

In a tragic turn of events, Harnam Kaur died on January 30, 1914, nine days after giving birth to her daughter in her Vancouver home. She was 28 years old and left behind her newborn daughter and her son, Jopindara who was only two years old.

The entire Sikh community came together to grieve the loss of one of their first ladies. Harnam Kaur was a highly respected leader who cared for her community and fostered the development of the first Sikh temple in Vancouver. To honor the strength and courage of Harnam Kaur, the City of Vancouver unveiled a monument in her honor in December 2019.