Baltej Singh Dhillon: The Man Who Wore His Faith With Pride
Ancy Mendonza Darpan, 14 Apr, 2025 07:36 PM
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.
The star sportsman played street basketball with his friends during leisure time, but it wasn’t until Grade 9 that he joined his high school’s basketball team, where his natural talent for the sport surfaced. Through his teenage years, Sangha had the support of great mentors.
Keeping up with the tradition, this issue marks the fourth year as DARPAN celebrates the achievements of seven women steering clear of stereotypes and forging their own paths. While each comes from a different professional background, they are all resilient, hardworking and fully committed to their calling in life.
In 1997, Tarannum immigrated to Canada with her family and tried her hand at different study programs. She auditioned and got selected to host a multicultural show on Channel M in Hindi and Punjabi. It began the professional journey of one of the most sort-after, familiar, and personable South Asian media personalities in Vancouver and beyond.
As president of the organization, Kiran collaborates with leaders and volunteers in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto in Canada; Punjab in India; Columbia; and Uganda, who help facilitate multiple programs across six streams, which include sports, mentorship, education, counselling & mental health, environment, and community engagement.
At Yale University, she was the first South Asian to play on the Yale Woman Soccer Team. As NCAA Division 1 soccer player, she was among the top soccer players across colleges in the USA and won twice the Ivy League Rookie of the Week award in her first year.
As Officer in Charge, Wendy oversees policing, police response, community welfare initiatives, human resources, and more in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows cities. Amidst all this, she prioritizes the mental and physical well-being of her police officers, who see so much trauma all around them.
