Gargi Lahiri Dasgupta, a care coordinator at a long-term care facility, made Canada her home in 2012 alongside her husband, Chandan Dasgupta, a retail manager. They now live in Vancouver, surrounded by family and love, with their sons Debayan and Debatrik, and their daughter-in-law, Mridula Dakshy Dasgupta.
Q: What inspired you to make the move to Canada, and how has your journey been so far?
A: I wanted to take a chance and explore something new. I was well settled in India but eager to learn more—if it worked out, wonderful; if not, home would always be home. Thankfully, my journey has been a smooth and fulfilling one.
Q: Where did you first stay when you arrived in Canada?
A: I stayed with friends for the first two months before finding my own place to rent. I was fortunate to have close friends already living in the city, which made the transition much easier.
Q: How would you describe your experience finding a job in Canada? Did you find it straightforward or challenging?
A: To find opportunities as a nurse was certainly challenging at first. My first job was at Tim Hortons, where I worked for three weeks before securing a position as a Home Care Service Quality Manager. Day and night soon blurred together—hours were simply hours— but every step brought me closer to my goals.
Q: What were some of the biggest surprises or challenges you faced when you first arrived?
A: Finding a job in my field was a challenge. Even though I held a license from India, I had to update my knowledge of Canadian healthcare programs and medical practices. At the age of 45, I returned to college to pursue my qualification as a Licensed Practical Nurse. It took dedication and hard work, but I was eventually able to make a living doing what I did best.
Q: How has your experience as an immigrant shaped your view of Canada as a country?
A: People here are genuinely kind, and Canada is truly a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds. Being able to take part in different festivities and traditions is what makes the country so special. A beautiful land, made even more beautiful by its people.
Q: How have you managed to stay connected to your roots while embracing Canadian culture?
A: Embracing Canadian culture felt natural, given how welcoming and value-driven the society is. At the same time, I’ve been able to celebrate Indian festivals and religious traditions with my community. I’ve never felt out of place—just as I learned to enjoy global celebrations with friends from different cultures, my friends in Canada have also warmly embraced and celebrated our Indian traditions with me.
Q: What’s one Canadian custom or tradition you’ve come to love?
A: Human values truly define Canada. The country offers space and opportunity to everyone willing to embrace it—smiling at strangers, spending an evening at English Bay, enjoying the Celebration of Light, or respectfully acknowledging Indigenous land and values are just a few examples. All of this comes together to create the spirit of Canada.
Q: What do you miss most about your home country, and how do you cope with that?
A: I miss my extended family, but thanks to today's technology, staying connected is all but a matter of effort. I miss the weather sometimes, but I can't complain about the weather living in BC, compared to some of the other provinces.
Q: If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently about your immigration journey?
A: Looking back, I could have focused a bit more on my education. While I did earn my LPN license, I should have pursued my RN as well. It would have opened up greater job opportunities and higher earnings. Still, I faced the challenges, invested in my education, and took meaningful steps to strengthen my career.
Q: How do you see the future for yourself and your family in Canada? What are your hopes and aspirations?
A: My goal is to become a Director of Care someday. After that, I hope to retire peacefully and enjoy watching my family grow and thrive.
Proudest Moment in Canada
Being able to carve out a place for myself and feel valued in my profession is my greatest achievement. My proudest moment isn’t a single instance—it’s the entire journey. Coming here at the age I did, pursuing my education, working day and night, taking evening classes, and doing whatever it took to succeed—finally seeing it all come together is what I’m most proud of.
Advice for Immigrants
Don’t let setbacks get to you—taking a step back happens to everyone. Just figure out what you really want, think about what makes sense for your career, and keep moving forward. And don’t be scared of taking an education loan if that’s what you need. Plan as much as you can, but stay honest with yourself about your goals and what you’re aiming for.
