[Photograph of Patty Sahota with unidentified individuals at the Ghadri Babe Mela in Surrey]

Photograph of Patty Sahota and Rob Nijjar with an unidentified individual at the Ghadri Babe Mela organised by Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada) in Bear Creek, Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.).

Patty Sahota is a former Canadian politician who served as the Minister of State for Resort Development in British Columbia from 2005. She was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2001, representing Burnaby-Edmonds. During her tenure, she played a key role in securing the 2009 World Police and Fire Games for Burnaby and contributed to various legislative committees on Aboriginal affairs, finance, health, and policing. Before politics, she worked in the forestry industry and commercial real estate. Sahota holds a BA in political science from the University of Victoria and has been actively involved with the B.C. Liberal Party. Born in India, she grew up in Merritt, B.C.

Born in 1967, Rob Nijjar is a life-long resident of the east side of Vancouver. Nijjar was first elected to the BC Legislature in the 2001 Provincial general election in the riding of Vancouver-Kingsway. Nijjar serves on the Government Caucus Committee on the Economy and sits on the Legislative Standing Committee for Education and Chairs the Sub-Committee on Youth Employment. Before becoming an MLA, Nijjar owned and operated a public relations business which he founded in 1998. As a consultant, Nijjar assisted businesses, societies and organizations throughout the lower mainland establish and maintain strong community relations. He attended school in southeast Vancouver and Langara Community College before earning a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies from Simon Fraser University in 1992. Following graduation, Nijjar spent several years as a business manager for companies such as Jenny Craig Inc., family-run restaurants and other service industry businesses before becoming active in politics. Nijjar has worked at the Municipal, Provincial, and Federal levels of politics, including as a Community Organizer for Leader of the Official Opposition Gordon Campbell and as an Executive Assistant to a Member of Parliament. Nijjar's community involvement includes: Member of the Rotary Club of Vancouver East; and former member of BC Transplant Society Outreach Team; Collingwood Neighbourhood House Outreach Team; and the Vancouver City Planning Commission. Nijjar has also coached the West Vancouver Women's Field Hockey Club and was a Disciplinary Chair of the Vancouver Men's Field Hockey League.

Mela Ghadri Babeyan Da is an annual cultural and commemorative event held in both Punjab, India, and Surrey, Canada, to honor the legacy of the Ghadar Party and the Punjabi revolutionaries who contributed to India's struggle for independence. The event highlights the historical significance of the Ghadar movement through educational talks, literature, and cultural performances that reflect the spirit of resistance, justice, and community pride. The mela serves as a platform to inform and engage the public—especially younger generations—about the sacrifices of Ghadri Babey (revolutionary elders), the global scope of the movement, and its roots in Punjab. It also emphasizes Punjabi language, culture, and political awareness, encouraging ongoing dialogue about identity, activism, and heritage in the diaspora.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation is a cultural organization dedicated to promoting Punjabi literature, history, and heritage. Named after renowned Punjabi poet Professor Mohan Singh, the foundation operates in both Punjab (India) and Canada, organizing events such as poetry festivals and historical commemorations. It aims to preserve the legacy of Punjabi thinkers and revolutionaries while engaging communities, especially youth, in cultural and educational initiatives.