Asian Tribune 21 May 2021

Issue 281 (4) Asian Tribune May 21, 2021
Asian
Star
Preetam Kumar Sharma
Native village/Country, parents’
background
I was born in Kankroli, Rajasthan, India.
My father worked as an administrator at the
Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton.
My mother worked there as well.
Your early education
I was studying a Bachelor of Commerce degree
in India before moving to Canada at the age of
18. I then did some upgrading courses from
Victoria Composite High School.
When & why you came to Canada?
I arrived to join my family. My father came to
Canada in 1967, my mother and two younger
brothers came in 1973, and my another brother
and I joined them in 1974.
How many dollars you brought in?
I had just eight dollars.
What you did for initial survival?
My family supported me. I was too young with
no one dependent on me to bother worrying
about finances. I went to school to do some
upgrading. My parents took care of my needs.
Your career advancement initiatives and
present occupation
I studied Electrical Engineering Technology at
NAIT. Presently, I am retiree as City of
Edmonton employee.
Your regret in life
I have no regrets in life. I lived my life the way
I wanted to live and did things that gave me
happiness. I am very content in the life I have
carved for myself.
Pick any one of your the best achievements
I am very proud of my numerous years of
volunteer work with the Alberta Hindi Parishad;
hundreds of our children born here have learnt
to read and write Hindi at our Hindi school. As
the ex-President of the Hindu Society of Alberta
and the Council of Indian Societies, I believe
my work along with the other members of these
societies has helped to create an even stronger
and cohesive Indian Community here in
Edmonton. My hope is that we can continue
implementing programs that help our Indian
and Canadian children grow. I am also ex-
President of Shanti Niketan Society for Semi-
Retired & Seniors and Director, Edmonton
Heritage Festival. My greatest achievement is
Diamond Jubilee Medal I received in
recognition of my volunteer work.
Were you ever discriminated?
Yes. Who hasn’t?
What you miss in Canada?
India was my first home and I will always have
fond memories of growing up there with my
brothers. Having them here though makes me
miss India less. We still reminisce from time
to time about all the trouble we used to make
as kids.
Are you happy in Canada?
Yes, of course. I am so proud to be Indo-
Canadian. My parents, my wife(Gunjan), my
brothers and my children are here along with
my many friends, some as close to me as my
family. I have everything and everyone I need.
Why?
I mainly came here because of my parents. I
stayed because of my children. My children
have had many opportunities, which led them
to success. This would never have been
possible back home. Also, Canada’s peaceful
atmosphere has left a mark on my heart.
Any comments on Canada’s weather
As a whole, one can enjoy all four seasons. I
love fall when the leaves change colours. I am
getting a little tired of winters now. It is getting
harder to clean all the snow.
Any comments on Canada’s culture
Basically, I like the overall freedom. Minorities’
values and beliefs are accepted and respected
by mainstream society.
What brought you success in Canada?
Honesty, hard work, family support, networking
and willingness to accept challenges have
brought me success.
Are you willing to help new immigrants?
Always.
How?
Our folks can count on me for any advice and
support concerning local issues. Also, I can
connect them to right resources, whether it’s
finding housing or learning how to fill out an
application.
Your message for Asians of Canada
Go out and mingle with mainstream society.
All youths should put their foot forward to help
people in distress in any way they can. Spousal
abuse, child abuse and drugs are killing our
society and need our co-operated action to
eliminate these social evils.
I am seeing a lot of our young people
volunteering for many societies and I am proud
of our community’s contribution to all the non
profit associations. We should give back to
community we live in.
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