Progressive People’s Foundation of Edmonton

Progressive People’s Foundation of Edmonton PPFE Supports and Promote Secular and Progressive World View!!

Remembering April 13th: A Day of Tragedy Today, 13th April, marks the one hundred and seventh anniversary of the tragic ...
04/13/2026

Remembering April 13th: A Day of Tragedy

Today, 13th April, marks the one hundred and seventh anniversary of the tragic events that unfolded at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, coinciding with the festival of Baisakhi. On this day, General Dyer, driven by imperialist and racist motivations, ordered his troops to open fire on a peaceful assembly. The indiscriminate shooting led to the deaths of hundreds of innocent people—men, women, children, and the elderly—leaving an indelible scar on history and deeply impacting generations to come.

On this sombre anniversary, it is disheartening to witness echoes of such violence in the present day. Another modern-day Dyer, the President of the United States, has chosen a path of destruction, with catastrophic consequences including the deaths of 168 school children in Iran. This ongoing cycle of violence, fuelled by imperialist and supremacist ideologies, continues to claim the lives of the innocent and perpetuate suffering across the globe.
The unchecked greed of these modern-day oppressors further contributes to grotesque inequality. In their relentless pursuit of weaponry and wealth, these gangster imperialists, driven by the desire to seize ever more resources, have run amuck, leaving devastation in their wake. The need for justice, compassion, and collective resistance to such forces has never been more urgent.

Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton In Memoriam: Manga Singh BasiThe members of Progressive Peoples Foundation of...
03/29/2026

Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton In Memoriam: Manga Singh Basi

The members of Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton (PPFE) are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of compatriot Manga Singh Bassi, who died on March 25 at Kamloops, British Columbia. He was born on 15 January 1954, at village Beed Bansia, in the Doaba region of Punjab.

Manga Basi was a distinguished Punjabi poet and steadfast voice of the people. His death represents a monumental loss to the progressive Punjabi literary world and to all those fighting for secularism, social justice, and human rights.

Renowned as a radical intellectual, Manga Basi dedicated his work to the
marginalized, the working class, and the oppressed. Throughout his life, he
fearlessly challenged religious extremism, fundamentalism, and political tyranny, using his verse to spark awareness and hope.
His legacy will continue to inspire progressive writers and activists to stand firm against bigotry and injustice.

The Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton mourns the loss of a cherished friend and distinguished poet, Manga Basi, and extends our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

(Dr.) P. R. Kalia & Board Members
Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton

Happy Birthday Dr. P R Kalia ji !!From all the members of the Progressive People’s Foundation, we wish you a very happy ...
02/27/2026

Happy Birthday Dr. P R Kalia ji !!
From all the members of the Progressive People’s Foundation, we wish you a very happy 89th birthday, Dr. P. R. Kalia. May this year be filled with health, happiness, and the same joy you bring to everyone around you. Thank you for your tireless leadership and endless inspiration, Dr. Kalia. Here’s to you!

21 February:On the National Day of Action for CubaEdmonton, 21 February 2026: A National Day of Action, organized by the...
02/22/2026

21 February:
On the National Day of Action for Cuba

Edmonton, 21 February 2026: A National Day of Action, organized by the Canadian Network on Cuba, today held a demonstration at Whyte Ave and 104 St in Edmonton to protest against the US embargo and support Cuba's sovereignty. These rallies aim to oppose the ongoing U.S. economic blockade, which critics argue is causing severe humanitarian shortages on the island
We congratulate the youth from PPFE (Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton) who also participated in demonstration against the United States embargo on Cuba despite the acute cold. Obviously, this is a moment of genuine pride for us that alongside fellow enthusiasts, you have taken a principled stand against what we regard as aggressive imperialist policies. Your willingness to join others in this collective resistance demonstrates a commitment to justice and solidarity in the face of such imperialist aggression.

Some of the compatriots of PPFE ---Joginder Randhawa, Harinder Hundal
and Kirtmit Kohar ---are proudly displaying the banner
(We Are Drawing the Redline Against Genocide).

The disastrous activities of hyper-imperialists have left a lasting mark on numerous countries around the world. For example, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to widespread destruction, destabilization, and loss of life, with ongoing repercussions for the region. In Libya, foreign intervention resulted in the collapse of the government and ongoing civil conflict that continues to affect millions. In Afghanistan, decades of occupation and military campaigns have left the country fragmented and struggling with humanitarian crises.


Corner of 104th Street and Whyte Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Similarly, economic sanctions imposed on Venezuela have contributed to severe shortages of food and medicine, exacerbating the suffering of ordinary people. These actions, often justified under the rhetoric of democracy or security, have resulted in grave social, economic, and environmental harm for the affected nations. The pattern of hyper-imperialist policies—marked by military intervention, economic manipulation, and domination—continues to threaten global stability and the rights of sovereign peoples.

Evidently, from the early 20th century, the US has commandeered coups around the world, helping opposition figures and their mutinous militaries topple leaders whose policies they abhor. Why? These heads of state launched programmes to redistribute land, strengthen labour unions, health and education systems and nationalise industries. Washington insists they’re ‘communist’ or ‘socialist’ and will threaten American dominance and corporate interests.
Since the 1959 Revolution, Cuba has stood as a global symbol of resistance against U.S. imperialism. For more than sixty years, the country has maintained its sovereignty and upheld human dignity despite enduring a continuous economic blockade. This resilience has made Cuba an emblem of defiance and self-determination on the world stage. The Cuban approach represents a determined socialist alternative, prioritizing human needs over profit. Even in the face of persistent and, as many describe, genocidal aggression, Cuba’s commitment to solidarity and humanitarian values remains unwavering.
We expect that the government of Canada should come forward and support Cubans by sending needed materials and de-associate itself from the Trump gang—known for its greed, hate and racial capitalism.

(Dr.) P. R. Kalia, President PPFE
[email protected]

02/22/2026

Staffer’s Remarks and the Alberta Immigration Debate

20 February 2026
Recently, in the lead-up to Premier Danielle Smith’s address on immigration, her executive director Bruce McAllister made public remarks that have sparked significant discussion in Alberta. McAllister stated:
“……The people orchestrating this reckless, unsustainable mass immigration in Canada fill me with profound disgust. Why import from nations with failed systems when our Judeo-Christian heritage and principles have worked so well here….”
These comments have raised concerns for many Albertans. The current government in Alberta has been accused of using divisive rhetoric that echoes historical patterns of exclusion. The implication that immigration from certain countries threatens Alberta’s values, as well as the reference to “failed systems,” risks reinforcing negative stereotypes and undermining the province’s tradition of openness. For instance, recent statements in public forums have linked immigration to economic decline without supporting data, contributing to the spread of misinformation and fostering unnecessary fear within communities.
It is essential to remember that Canada’s respect for human dignity and its commitment to welcoming newcomers are foundational values. The diversity brought by immigrants has enriched Alberta’s economy and society in countless ways. Upholding respectful discourse ensures that all residents feel valued and included, regardless of their background.
As Alberta continues to debate immigration policy, I urge leaders and citizens alike to reject divisive rhetoric and reaffirm our shared commitment to human dignity, respect, and inclusion. Let us work together to build a province where all are welcome and valued.
Dr. P. R. Kalia
President,
Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton
[email protected]
PH. 780-655-0201

02/22/2026

The U.S. Embargo on Cuba:
An Act of Hyper Imperialism

Edmonton: 21 February 2026
For more than sixty years, the United States has enforced an embargo against Cuba, a policy that has faced persistent condemnation from the international community. The Cuban Ministry of Public Health’s 2022 annual review reports that the embargo has caused cumulative economic damages exceeding $130 billion, affecting nearly every aspect of life in Cuba. The restrictions placed by the embargo prevent access to vital resources such as food, medicine, and fuel. In particular, paediatric cancer patients have experienced treatment delays due to shortages of imported chemotherapy drugs.
The 2023 UN General Assembly report underscores the humanitarian effects of the embargo, stating that it limits access to essential pharmaceuticals and causes unnecessary suffering for vulnerable groups. The report highlights that “the embargo is designed to foster hunger and desperation,” characterizing it as a form of economic warfare.
The extraterritorial aspects of the embargo have been challenged by several European Union member states, who report negative impacts on their own trade with Cuba. International organizations, including the UN, have consistently called for the termination of the embargo due to its extensive global repercussions.
Critics argue that the embargo aims to force regime change in Cuba, characterizing it as an imperialist and aggressive tactic. Such actions, they contend, compromise national sovereignty and violate established international standards.
The decision by Donald Trump to impose collective punishment on the Cuban people is widely regarded as cruel and inhumane, representing a clear breach of fundamental human decency. The Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton strongly condemns the United States government’s aggressive stance towards Cuba. The Foundation expresses unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people and workers, emphasising that U.S. policies threaten the very survival of those affected.

P. R. Kalia & Board Members
Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton
[email protected]

Dear friends,On 30th January 2025, Prof. Raj Pannu passed away at his home in Edmonton.He truly remained our patron unti...
01/30/2026

Dear friends,
On 30th January 2025, Prof. Raj Pannu passed away at his home in Edmonton.
He truly remained our patron until his final days. Let us remember and pay our deepest respects
to our most esteemed Pannu Sahib by honouring and continuing his rich legacy of public service.

(Dr.) P. R. Kalia
& Board Members of
Progressive Peoples Foundation of Edmonton
Edmonton: 30 January 2026

NOTE: On 30th January 2023, our respected comrade Tarlochan Singh Rana passed away in Mohali.
He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership within our community.
Remembering him, we pay our best regards to his memory.
-PPFE

ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ. ਵੱਲੋ ਮੱਖਣ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਅਤੇ ਮਹਿੰਦਰ ਸੰਧੂ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲਣੀ ਦਾ ਅਯੋਜ਼ਨ     ਬੀਤੇ ਦਿਨੀ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰੈਸਿਵ ਪੀਪਲਜ਼ ਫਾਊਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ ਆਫ਼ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ (ਪ...
11/10/2025

ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ. ਵੱਲੋ ਮੱਖਣ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਅਤੇ ਮਹਿੰਦਰ ਸੰਧੂ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲਣੀ ਦਾ ਅਯੋਜ਼ਨ

ਬੀਤੇ ਦਿਨੀ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰੈਸਿਵ ਪੀਪਲਜ਼ ਫਾਊਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ ਆਫ਼ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ (ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ.) ਵੱਲੋ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਦੌਰੇ ਤੋਂ ਵਾਪਿਸ ਆਏ ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਲੇਖਕ ਸਭਾ (ਰਜਿ.) ਦੇ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਮੀਤ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੱਖਣ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰੈਸਿਵ ਪੀਪਲਜ਼ ਫਾਊਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ ਆਫ਼ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ (ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ.) ਦੇ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਮੀਤ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮਹਿੰਦਰ ਸੀਲੋ ਨਾਲ ਉਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਫੇਰੀ ਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਤਜ਼ਰਬਿਆਂ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ ਦੇ ਮਸ਼ਹੂਰ ਰੈਸਟੋਰੈਂਟ ਸ਼ਫ਼ੀ ਬੇਕਰੀ ਵਿਖੇ ਇਕ ਮਿਲਣੀ ਦਾ ਅਯੋਜ਼ਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ।
ਇਸ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀ ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ. ਦੀ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਮੀਤ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਬੱਖ਼ਸ਼ ਸੰਘਾ ਵੱਲੋ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ। ਜਿਥੇ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਸੰਘਾ ਨੇ ਹਾਜ਼ਰੀਨ ਨੂੰ ਜੀ ਆਇਆ ਕਿਹਾ, ਉਥੇ ਹੀ ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ. ਦੇ ਬੋਰਡ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿੰਦਰ ਹੁੰਦਲ ਨੂੰ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਦੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹੁੰਦਲ ਨੇ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਮਹਿਮਾਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਹਾਜ਼ਰੀਨ ਨਾਲ ਜਾਣ-ਪਛਾਣ ਕਰਵਾ ਕੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮਹਿੰਦਰ ਸੰਧੂ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਫੇਰੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਤਜ਼ਰਬੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮਹਿੰਦਰ ਸੰਧੂ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਹਤ ਦੇ ਪੱਖੋਂ ਸਾਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦਾ ਵੀ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਬਲਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਇਹ ਕਹਿ ਲਿਆ ਜਾਵੇ ਕਿ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਇਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਅਤਿਕਥਨੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ।
ਉਪਰੰਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੱਖਣ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਨੇ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਫੇਰੀ ਦੇ ਤਜ਼ਰਬੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਕਰਦਿਆ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਾਥੀ ਗੱਡੀ ਕਿਰਾਏ 'ਤੇ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਨਾਂ ਪਿੰਡਾਂ ਤੇ ਡੇਰਿਆਂ 'ਚ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ, ਸਕੂਲ ਅਧਿਆਪਕਾਂ, ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰੋਫੈਸਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਆਮ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲ ਬਾਤ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਨਾਲ ਗਲੀਆਂ ਬਾਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਕਈ ਤਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਇਕੱਠੀ ਕੀਤੀ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਇਸ ਵੇਲੇ ਧਰਤੀ 'ਤੇ ਬਣੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਦੇਸ ਦੇ ਨਕਸ਼ੇ ਨਾਲੋ ਸਵਰਗ ਤੋਂ ਘੱਟ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਕਿਊਬਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਿਥੇ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਈ ਦੇ ਮੁਤਾਬਿਕ ਹਰ ਇਕ ਨੂੰ ਲਾਜਮੀ ਕੰਮ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਥੇ ਹੀ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਆਦਮੀ ਜਾਂ ਔਰਤ ਬੇਰੁਜ਼ਗਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਔਰਤਾਂ-ਮਰਦਾਂ ਦੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਅਨੁਪਾਤ 100/97 ਹੈ, ਭਾਵ ਕਿ ਔਰਤਾਂ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਮਰਦਾਂ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਹੈ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਨੇ ਇਹ ਵੀ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਹਰ ਇੱਕ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਰਿਹਾਇਸ਼ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧ ਕਰਕੇ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਸ਼ਨ ਡੀਪੂਆਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦੇ ਜੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਮੁਤਾਬਕ ਰਾਸ਼ਨ ਮੁਫ਼ਤ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਵੱਖਰੀ ਜਾਂ ਨਿੱਜ਼ੀ ਜਾਇਦਾਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਬਣਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਰ ਜਾਇਦਾਦ 'ਤੇ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਹੱਕ ਹੈ। ਉਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਸਹੂਲਤਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੋਟੀ, ਕੱਪੜਾ, ਮਕਾਨ ਜੋ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਮੁੱਢਲੀਆਂ ਲੋੜਾਂ ਹਨ ਦੇ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਸਿਹਤ ਸਹੂਲਤਾਂ ਤੇ ਬਿਜ਼ਲੀ ਪਾਣੀ ਵੀ ਮੁਫ਼ਤ ਮਿਲਦੀਆਂ ਹੋਣ ਤੇ ਜਿਥੇ ਧਰਮ ਨੂੰ ਮੰਨਣਾ ਜਾਂ ਨਾ-ਮੰਨਣਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦਾ ਨਿੱਜ਼ੀ ਮਸਲਾ ਹੋਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਨੂੰ ਹੀ ਧਰਤੀ 'ਤੇ ਸਵਰਗ ਕਹਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਅਸਲੀ ਹੱਕਦਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਨੇ ਅਖੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਹਾ ਉਹ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਫੇਰੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਜਲਦ ਹੀ ਇਕ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਲਿਖਣ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ, ਉਨਾਂ ਇਹ ਵੀ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਕੋਲ ਵੀ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਬਾਰੇ ਨਿੱਜ਼ੀ ਤਜ਼ਰਬੇ ਹੋਣ ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੱਖਣ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਨਾਲ ਵੱਟਸਐਪ ਨੰਬਰ +91-95013-65522 'ਤੇ ਸਪੰਰਕ ਕਰਕੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ।
ਅਖੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੀ.ਪੀ.ਐਫ਼.ਈ. ਦੇ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਕਿਰਤਮੀਤ ਕੁਹਾੜ ਨੇ ਫ਼ੀਦਲ ਤੇ ਚੀ ਗ਼ਵੇਰਾ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਜ਼ਦਾ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਉਸ ਧਰਤੀ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਿਥੇ ਹਾਅ ਦਾ ਨਾਹਰਾ ਮਾਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਥੇ ਹੀ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਕਿਊਬਾ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਲਗਾਈਆਂ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਪਬੰਧੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਡੱਟ ਕੇ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਵੀ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।

10/15/2025

Thanks Jarnail Basota ji for covering PPFE program dedicated to Birth Anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat and Kavi Darbar dedicated to the struggling people's of Palestine.

PPFE organized a program to Celebrated Birth Anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and a Multi lingual Kavi darbar....
10/13/2025

PPFE organized a program to Celebrated Birth Anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and a Multi lingual Kavi darbar. This program was dedicated to the struggling People of Palestine against Israel's genocidal war.

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