Author of Punjabi Rebels of the Columbia River, Odgen talks about the legacy of Thind & the Ghadar party as well as relation to current issues. Interview with Johanna Odgen; conducted by Yatee B. & Aashritha A. on Feb 5, 2025;
The Struggle for Immigrant Rights:
Failures and the Fight for Justice
Rights and Responsibilities in History
National History Day 2025
Legacy
Thind's fight for citizenship, the Ghadar Movement's defiance against colonial rule, Kala's advocacy for immigration rights, and Kartar's activism are testaments to the struggle against the denial of basic human rights for hundreds of South-Asian immigrants. A issue rarely talked about and not even taught in schools, it’s clear that, despite being the ‘Land of the Free,’ the U.S. did not stand by its moral duty. Stories like these illuminate the vital responsibility of our government to uphold its promise of equality and fight for humanity’s inalienable rights.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemmed to repeat it."
- George Santayana
Gallery
"South Asians began immigrating to the United States in larger numbers nearly 130 years ago, beginning in the late 1800s...The harsh reality that these early immigrants faced was one of overt racism and xenophobia." "First Invasion." Courtsey of San Francisco Call (1910)
"Thind began his argument, claiming that he was, in fact, "Caucasian," because of the "purity of [his] Aryan blood" which, according to the outcome in the Ozawa decision, should allow him to become a citizen." Vol 8. 7 May. 'Ozawa Verdict.' Courtsey of Pittsburgh Courier (May 9, 1931)
"The justices again disagreed with Thind. This time because the word "Caucasian" was being used in a way differently from how it would be 'interpreted in accordance with the understanding of the common man.'" Vol 10. 10 Feb. 'Naturalization.' Los Angeles Times (February 11, 1925)
Documents the suicide by Vaishno Das Bagai, who ended his life in "patriotic protest against racial discrimination." after Thind's verdict took away citizenship. Vol 4. 21 May. 'A Merchant's Suicide.' The Hindustan Times (May 22, 1928)"
U.S. Supreme Court decided to ban South Asians from becoming American citizens. "The Problem." Courtsey of The Literary Digest (March 10, 1923)