Mona
Whenever Barj Dhahan begins a new project, be it organic farming or putting a real estate in shape, he walks around its precinct. So much like the way he used to do in his childhood in his native village Dhahan-Kaleran, as his grandfather would say ‘Khetan nu chaliye’ (Lets go to the fields).
His family’s history of migration dates back to 100 years and so does their history of community service. Barj Dhahan, an entrepreneur and advocate for greater bilateral collaborations between India and Canada, is only taking the tradition forward.
As this founding president of Canada-India Education Society stopped by in Chandigarh along with members of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band’s Cultural Tour of India, he explored the possibilities of tracing roots and building future. He joined his father in Canada when only three. It was when he touched 30, he realised his overwhelming desire to give back to the country of his birth.
“I remember distinctly those 17 days in mid-80s that I spent with my father while he was trying to establish the Guru Nanak Mission Hospital Disturbed Times. There was police and military presence everywhere. Also, people putting forth their wish for better health and education facilities and yet replete with exuberance, contentment and happiness. It’s since then that I divided my time between Canada and India, trying to build bridges for better opportunities for youth in both the countries.”
This time around, he comes as a part of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band’s Cultural Tour, he being a member of the Vancouver Police Board. “Baisakhi parade is huge in Vancouver, and this band takes the lead,” he shares with a glint in his eyes. He is joined by his tour mates who vouch for this colourful, cultural experience as an unforgettable one.
While cultural tie is one, Braj’s focus is on cementing the educational bond and giving thrust to literature in Punjabi. In fact, in 2013, Braj founded the Dhahan Prize for International Punjabi Literature. “Dhahan Prize an attempt to give impetus to emerging voices in Punjabi,” he says.
mona@tribunemail.com
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2ULSxtC
via Today’s News Headlines
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