April is officially recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. It is a time to reflect, acknowledge, and celebrate Sikh history, values, and contributions to Canadian society.
The McGill Sikh Students’ Association (MSSA) supports students through cultural, academic, social, and spiritual events. They welcome both Sikh and non-Sikh students, with diversity and meaningful dialogue at the core of the club’s values.
Throughout April, MSSA holds a series of events, beginning with the Kirtan Samagan on April 2. It included devotional singing and a community meal, in collaboration with McGill’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (MORSL). On April 7, MSSA screened The Battle of Amritsar, a documentary that examines the 1984 Operation Blue Star, when the Indian Army launched a coordinated assault on the Golden Temple Amritsar, targeting Sikhs.
Harsimran Singh Kapoor, President of MSSA, emphasized the importance of dedicated spaces that allow students from specific communities to celebrate their identities openly and proudly. These spaces are not limited to celebration, they are also about dismantling misconceptions and negative stereotypes.
“Representation gives students a voice and space to safely express their identity, values, and faith. It helps build awareness and challenge stereotypes, especially around visible articles of faith like the Dastaar (turban) and Kara (iron bracelet), which are often misunderstood,” Kapoor wrote to The Tribune. “Having a strong representation not only supports current students but also inspires future generations to lead, serve, and contribute to an inclusive and culturally aware campus.”
Kapoor also emphasized the responsibility students have in gathering and creating avenues to represent their community on campus in a written statement to The Tribune.
“Students do have a role in sharing their culture on campus. Universities are spaces of learning, diversity, and dialogue, and representation matters. When students share their heritage, it helps break stereotypes, builds understanding, and inclusivity. It also gives students a sense of belonging, making them feel seen and valued [….] Hosting celebrations, like Sikh Heritage Month, not only educates others but also allows students to connect with their own roots,” Kapoor wrote.
However, students should not be the only ones bearing the responsibility of raising awareness and educating their peers. Educational institutions such as McGill are key actors that play a crucial role in creating welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces for students to thrive.
“MSSA plays a key role in representing Sikh students at McGill, but we don’t see ourselves as their sole voice,” Kapoor wrote. “Our goal is to provide a platform where Sikh students feel seen, supported, and heard. However, true representation requires a collective effort, from students, faculty, and the university itself. The university can support us by recognizing and promoting cultural diversity and providing spaces and resources for our initiatives.”
Kapoor also highlighted McGill’s responsibility to increase inclusiveness on campus, especially considering Quebec’s expansion of Bill 21, which bans public employees from wearing visible religious symbols.
“Given the ongoing discussions on secularism and visible faith symbols in Quebec, it’s important that McGill continues to actively foster an environment that supports religious diversity, ensuring that students feel safe and respected in expressing their faith,” he added.
MSSA has many more events lined up—both during April and all year-round—creating continued opportunities for students to learn, engage, and reflect on Sikh heritage. A keynote speech titled “Wrapped in Faith: The Sikh Turban and the Fabric of Canada” is scheduled for April 10, with Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon—a community leader and lifelong advocate for diversity and inclusion—as the speaker. Weekly Simran sessions at MORSL are also on the agenda, providing students with an opportunity to take a break from academic stress and a space to connect spiritually.
MSSA’s events are informative, free, and accessible, underlining its commitment to creating a sense of community and belonging for Sikh students on campus.
