Punjabi names—Jaswinder, Rupinder, Sharnjeet, Harpinder, Gurparveen—carry the gravity of history and identity. Yet, sometimes, their multiple vowels leave others stumbling. So, we wring out the richness, condense them into Jas, Rup, Sharn, Harp, Gurp—names that fit neatly into mouths unaccustomed to the syllables of the land of five rivers.
In Surrey, British Columbia, Hargun Dhillon, Founder and President of the Age Strong Unity Wellness Society and Co-founder of the Ignited Resilience Mentorship Foundation, is making waves as a changemaker who empowers the elderly and supports at-risk newcomer students. His journey showcases the power of South Asian values, resilience, and the spirit of ‘seva’ (selfless service).
Meet Beant, a rising rap artist and curator from Leamington Spa, is making waves in the UK music scene with his unique fusion of British rap and Punjabi folk music.
Born in Victoria, B.C., and raised in Surrey, Raj Thandhi never expected food to be her calling. A trained graphic designer, her love for cooking truly ignited after her children were born. What started as an effort to decode heritage recipes soon became a mission—to preserve and translate traditional Punjabi flavors for a new generation.
In the heart of Canada’s rich multicultural landscape is a man whose journey has not only broken barriers but has also inspired generations of Sikhs across the country. Baltej Singh Dhillon’s story is one of resilience, conviction, and an indomitable spirit to uphold his identity and principles. From being the first turbaned officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to his recent appointment to the Senate, his path has been anything but ordinary. As Vaisakhi approaches, a time of renewal and reflection for Sikhs worldwide, there is no better moment to celebrate this trailblazer who has paved the way for inclusivity while staying true to his roots.
