Sikh human rights activist from India who disappeared under mysterious circumstances is slated to have a new park named after him in Brampton.
The park’s name, Jaswant Singh Khalra, is proposed for city council approval.
A report that will be presented to councillors this week suggests that Jaswant Singh Khalra should be honoured for his role in bringing international attention to the killing of more than 25,000 people and the treatment of Sikhs in the Punjab state of India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984.
Khalra was reported missing in 1995 and six police officials from the area were convicted of his abduction and murder several years later.
In the report, Brampton’s parks department indicates that Khalra also advocated on behalf of Sikhs in Canada.
Khalra Park to commemorate the human rights actions taken by Mr. Khalra,” the report reads.
Meanwhile, Brampton is also considering these names for parks:
Father Roman Galadza
Father Galadza made a 30-year contribution to the city by establishing the parish of St. Elias the Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church. His impact was also significant within the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, where he held roles as a religion teacher, music teacher and chaplain over a distinguished career. This new park will be located in Ward 6.
Norman Duncan Park
This park in Ward 8 is currently called Watchman Park. Duncan served on the Toronto Gore Township Council from
1946 through 1953 and held the position of reeve from 1950 to 1953. The Duncan family has a 140-year history in the area.
Mashkiki Parkette
Currently called Whitewash Parkette in Ward 5, the name is being changed after consultation with the Indigenous community. Mashkiki, pronounced ‘Mash-kee-kee’, is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) word which translates into the English language as ‘medicine’ with a much deeper literal meaning of ‘the strength of the earth’. This word describes the healing power that the earth provides for all of mankind through plant life and her energy.
Bangan Parkette
Currently named Native Landing Park in Ward 5. Bangan pronounced ‘bun-gun’ is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) word which translates
into the English language as ‘peaceful’ and literally means ‘it is quiet’. This name characterizes the setting of the parkette where people go to find a quiet time on park benches situated throughout the parkette.
