Issue 281 (4) Asian Tribune May 21, 2021AsianStarPreetam Kumar SharmaNative village/Country, parents’backgroundI was born in Kankroli, Rajasthan, India.My father worked as an administrator at theMisericordia Hospital in Edmonton.My mother worked there as well.Your early educationI was studying a Bachelor of Commerce degreein India before moving to Canada at the age of18. I then did some upgrading courses fromVictoria Composite High School.When & why you came to Canada?I arrived to join my family. My father came toCanada in 1967, my mother and two youngerbrothers came in 1973, and my another brotherand 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 withno one dependent on me to bother worryingabout finances. I went to school to do someupgrading. My parents took care of my needs.Your career advancement initiatives andpresent occupationI studied Electrical Engineering Technology atNAIT. Presently, I am retiree as City ofEdmonton employee.Your regret in lifeI have no regrets in life. I lived my life the wayI wanted to live and did things that gave mehappiness. I am very content in the life I havecarved for myself.Pick any one of your the best achievementsI am very proud of my numerous years ofvolunteer work with the Alberta Hindi Parishad;hundreds of our children born here have learntto read and write Hindi at our Hindi school. Asthe ex-President of the Hindu Society of Albertaand the Council of Indian Societies, I believemy work along with the other members of thesesocieties has helped to create an even strongerand cohesive Indian Community here inEdmonton. My hope is that we can continueimplementing programs that help our Indianand Canadian children grow. I am also ex-President of Shanti Niketan Society for Semi-Retired & Seniors and Director, EdmontonHeritage Festival. My greatest achievement isDiamond Jubilee Medal I received inrecognition 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 havefond memories of growing up there with mybrothers. Having them here though makes memiss India less. We still reminisce from timeto time about all the trouble we used to makeas kids.Are you happy in Canada?Yes, of course. I am so proud to be Indo-Canadian. My parents, my wife(Gunjan), mybrothers and my children are here along withmy many friends, some as close to me as myfamily. I have everything and everyone I need.Why?I mainly came here because of my parents. Istayed because of my children. My childrenhave had many opportunities, which led themto success. This would never have beenpossible back home. Also, Canada’s peacefulatmosphere has left a mark on my heart.Any comments on Canada’s weatherAs a whole, one can enjoy all four seasons. Ilove fall when the leaves change colours. I amgetting a little tired of winters now. It is gettingharder to clean all the snow.Any comments on Canada’s cultureBasically, I like the overall freedom. Minorities’values and beliefs are accepted and respectedby mainstream society.What brought you success in Canada?Honesty, hard work, family support, networkingand willingness to accept challenges havebrought me success.Are you willing to help new immigrants?Always.How?Our folks can count on me for any advice andsupport concerning local issues. Also, I canconnect them to right resources, whether it’sfinding housing or learning how to fill out anapplication.Your message for Asians of CanadaGo out and mingle with mainstream society.All youths should put their foot forward to helppeople in distress in any way they can. Spousalabuse, child abuse and drugs are killing oursociety and need our co-operated action toeliminate these social evils.I am seeing a lot of our young peoplevolunteering for many societies and I am proudof our community’s contribution to all the nonprofit associations. We should give back tocommunity we live in.English Pagewww.asiantribune.ca. Also, follow us on twitter @AsianTribuneEdm
English PageIssue 281 (5) Asian Tribune May 21, 2021www.asiantribune.ca. Also, follow us on twitter @AsianTribuneEdm