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.
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.
As a hospitalist with clinical responsibilities at Peacearch Hospital, Dosanjh combines her medical expertise with a commitment to advancing women's health issues. Her advocacy now extends to global platforms, where she will present at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, emphasizing women's empowerment and healthcare equity.
In the tapestry of South Asian women achievers, Renee Sarojini Saklikar stands as a luminary, weaving the threads of her diverse experiences into the artistry of poetry. This solitude birthed Saklikar's profound connection to language and sound, leading her to find solace in the magic of storytelling and the sanctuary of her written words.
Curpen embarked on her journey in ESG long before it became a buzzword. Born in Mauritius and immigrating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, when she was 16, she delved into the environmental law landscape in the 1990s. Driven by a passion for bridging the gap between aspiration and reality, she recognized ESG as a transformative tool for decision-making, enabling firms to navigate complexities and future-proof their operations.
Born in Mumbai, India, Dr. Ghose's journey from a lone woman of colour majoring in physics and mathematics at Miami University in the '90s to becoming a professor of quantum physics at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo is a testament to her resilience and passion for unravelling the universe's secrets.
Bains's efforts culminated in a convincing victory, and his triumph went on to mark him, by date of birth, as the youngest finalist and winner, but also as the first Gen Z winner in Big Brother US history. In fact, he not only shattered the all-time competition record with 10 wins in a single season, but also established a new benchmark for the all-time veto record, amassing an impressive 7 vetos in the same season.
