Asian Tribune 26 March 2021

Issue 277 (4) Asian Tribune 26 March, 2021
Asian
Star
Native village/Country, parent’s background
I was born in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
My father was the late Shri Nitya Nand Swami
was a lawyer who served as a member of the
Legislative Assembly for five years, a member
of the Legislative Council for 14 years,
Chairman of the Legislative Council for 12
years, and finally, as the first Chief Minister of
Uttarakhand until his retirement. My mother
was the late Smt. Chandra Kanta Swami, the
Inspector of Schools of all junior high schools
in Dehradun and the surrounding areas. She
spent her free time running the free school in
the area and was always willing to open our
home to the impoverished people in our
community. Being raised by parents who having
high values and ethics to serve community
taught me at a very young age as to how
important it is to give back to others.
Your early education
In 1978, I earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
degree from Gadhwal University, Dehradun,
India.
When & why you came to Canada?
In 1979, I married my husband, Preetam
Sharma, and I immigrated to Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada to start our family and our life
together.
What you did for initial survival?
Our oldest daughter, Priya, was born the year
after we arrived in Canada. When she was a
year old in 1981, I started working at the
Misericordia Hospital. I have been fortunate to
build a wonderful career there, and have been
at the Misericordia now for the last 38 years.
Your career advancement initiatives and
present occupation
I attended NAIT and completed the Supervisory
Development Program. I currently work at the
Misericordia Hospital in the operating room
booking office. I have also been involved in
community service and volunteer projects with
many nonprofit organizations, including serving
as President of the Hindu Society of Alberta,
which operates the North Edmonton Hindu
temple. As well as President of the Alberta Hindi
Association, where they teach Hindi to anyone
who wants to learn. Currently, I am the
President of Council of IndiaSocieties of
Edmonton(CISE).
Your regret in life
While I am happy and grateful to have been
able to build a life here in Canada, I do regret
that Igloo country is so cold.
Pick any one of your the best achievements
My greatest achievement is my family. My
children are generous, loving and successful,
and I am very proud of them. In regards to my
own personal achievements, I am proud to
have received the “Unsung Hero” Award by the
Council of India Societies in Edmonton in
appreciation of my services to the community.
Were you ever discriminated?
No. I am fortunate to have immigrated to an
accepting and inclusive Nation where people
of all backgrounds and beliefs are respected
and are welcome.
Gunjan Sharma
What you miss in Canada?
I miss my sisters and extended family the most
though. But I also miss day-to-day Indian culture
andfriends coming to visit all the time without preintimation.
Are you happy in Canada?
I am very happy here. Canada is a very peaceful
country and I love being part of it. I have spent
most of my life here and I consider it my home
country next to India. I am privileged and prideful
that I am Grandma (“Nani”) and I love spending
my evenings with my granddaughters, Sloane,
Remi and Veda.
Any comments on Canada’s weather
The summers are very nice, but I still can’t get
used to the bone-chilling winters and abundant
snow. I try to go away to somewhere hot in the
wintertime if I can!
Any comments on Canada’s culture
I deeply appreciate the freedom and acceptance
that Canada offers. The values and beliefs of
minority cultures are accepted and respected,
even if they are not shared, and there is an
opportunity for everyone to find belonging here.
What brought you success in Canada?
Honesty, hard work, networking, the support of
family and friends, and the willingness to accept
new challenges. I place on record the unflinching
support of my significant half, Preetam Sharma.
Are you willing to help new comers and How?
I am always willing to help newcomers by offering
food or housing, as well as smaller things that
can help them prepare for life in Canada, such
as boots and winter clothing. I am also willing to
help newcomers find jobs and to connect them
to resources that will allow them to be successful
and lead joyful life.
Your message for Canadians of Asian origin
Never forget your origin and culture; these have
helped to shape who you are. You are lucky to
live in a country like Canada that is full of
opportunities and diverse cultures, so take every
opportunity that you can and make the most of it!
Always give back to society. Canadian
abundance is boon and share with needy to
evolve universal happiness.
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